If your child has ever said something like “I hate how I look,” and you felt unsure what to say next, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Family in Focus, I share a different way to respond in those moments when your child is struggling with body image, food, or how they see themselves.

Because your child does not need you to fix it.

They need you to stay with them in it.

Drawing from improv, I introduce a simple framework that can help you respond with more connection and less pressure, even when the moment feels heavy or uncertain.

When kids open up about how they feel, it can trigger a strong instinct to reassure, correct, or make it better as quickly as possible. But those responses can unintentionally shut down the conversation.

This episode walks you through how to shift from fixing to connecting so your child feels seen, supported, and safe to keep sharing.

I discuss:

• Why your instinct to fix is a natural stress response
• What kids actually need when they talk about body image or food
• How the improv principle “yes, and” can change the way you respond
• The ABC framework for staying present in hard moments
• How to acknowledge your child’s experience without reinforcing the fear
• Why curiosity builds more trust than correction
• How connection helps reduce stress and supports long term change

If you want to feel more confident responding in these moments and create more connection with your child, this episode offers a simple and powerful place to start.

New episodes air every Wednesday.

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While I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. This podcast is for education, not medical advice.