What happens when comments about a child’s body stay with them long after childhood? And how can you protect your child from carrying the same shame, fear, and judgment many of us grew up with?

In this special episode of Family in Focus, I’m joined by Lisa Fipps, award-winning author of the middle-grade novel Starfish. Lisa shares how her experiences with weight-based bullying inspired the book and why its message continues to resonate with children and adults.

We talk about weight stigma, body shame, bullying, and the words children can carry for a lifetime. Most importantly, Lisa challenges us to look inward before reacting to concerns about a child’s weight or body.

In this episode:

• How Lisa’s experiences with weight-based bullying inspired Starfish

• Why comments about a child’s body can stay with them for decades

• How weight stigma can show up at home, school, and in healthcare

• Why struggles with food and eating disorders can be hidden in plain sight

• How your own experiences with weight and bullying can shape your parenting

• The question to ask yourself before trying to change your child’s weight or eating habits

Watch the full video episode on YouTube.

New episodes every Wednesday.

Want more support for raising children with confidence instead of fear or shame?

Join The Exhale, my free newsletter:

https://www.wendyschofermd.com/the-exhale

Learn more about working with me:

https://www.wendyschofermd.com

Schedule a consultation:

https://wendyschofermdscheduling.as.me/consult

Follow along:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyschofermd/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wendyschofermd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendyschofermd/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-schofer-md/
Connect with Lisa Fipps

Website: https://authorlisafipps.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlisafipps/
About Dr. Wendy Schofer

Dr. Wendy Schofer is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience helping families build healthier relationships with food, body image, and emotional well-being. Through Family in Focus, she shares evidence-based, compassionate parenting strategies that help families thrive.

While Dr. Wendy Schofer is a physician, this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.