If you have ever felt overwhelmed trying to help your child with eating, weight, or health—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Family in Focus, I’m joined by Joey Skelton, MD, MS, FAAP and Dara Garner-Edwards, MSW, LCSW, co-authors of Your Child Is Not Their Weight: Parenting in a Size-Obsessed World.

Together, we explore how to support your child without shame, pressure, or food battles—and why focusing on weight often does more harm than good.

Dr. Skelton and Dara bring nearly two decades of experience working with families through the Brenner FIT Program at Wake Forest University, where they focus on practical, family-centered care that creates lasting change.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why weight-focused conversations can backfire
• What children actually hear when we talk about food
• The impact of pressure, restriction, and “fixing”
• How to support your child’s health without shame
• Why connection—not control—creates real change
• The power of family meals and reducing stress

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to help your child, this episode offers a new way forward.

About Our Guests

Joey Skelton, MD, MS, FAAP – Pediatrician and professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, leading the Brenner FIT Program.

Dara Garner-Edwards, MSW, LCSW – Family counselor specializing in helping families create sustainable change without shame or judgment.

Along with Melissa Moses, MS, RDN, LDN (co-author and registered dietitian), they wrote:

📘 Your Child Is Not Their Weight: Parenting in a Size-Obsessed World
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Child-Their-Weight-Size-Obsessed/dp/1610028546

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