Worthy: The Power of Kindness in Raising Body Positive Children

Let's get real about tackling childhood obesity. Worthy's approach: Helping kids reach a healthy weight isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. You need to build trust with parents, teachers, and caregivers. You need to have empathetic, ongoing conversations with kids about health and their bodies. You need to address the root causes—emotional, social, and environmental challenges. STOP thinking a single campaign or handout will "fix the problem." START focusing on real solutions—building resources, habits, and partnerships that truly support kids and families. Let’s approach this with kindness, patience, and action. 🌟 What’s worked for you in supporting parents of children with obesity? Share your thoughts below ⬇️

The Power of Compassion in Helping Children Navigate Weight Changes "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." — The 14th Dalai Lama As a parent, educator, or caregiver, one of our most important roles is to help children feel safe, loved, and cared for, especially when they are facing challenges like significant changes in their weight. How do we help children navigate these changes without resorting to shame, weight bias, or fat-shaming? How do we foster an environment of kindness and compassion that prioritizes their health and well-being over societal pressures? The answer lies in understanding and embracing body positivity — and in recognizing that weight-related challenges are not the result of willpower failures, but of complex physiological factors. At Worthy, we are committed to guiding families through this journey with love, kindness, and compassion, ensuring children feel valued for who they are, rather than for the number on the scale. Why Compassion Matters As someone with over 20 years of experience working in leadership roles to prevent childhood obesity, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with countless doctors, parents, and experts about the childhood obesity epidemic. One thing I’ve learned for sure is that compassion is key when it comes to helping children navigate weight challenges. When we, as parents, approach the subject with kindness and understanding, we can help our children feel heard, supported, and safe. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether we should even discuss weight changes with children. While some may argue that silence is the best approach, research and experts increasingly agree that we cannot afford to remain silent. Ignoring weight changes can leave children vulnerable to bullying, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. Studies show that children who experience weight-related bullying are 2-3 times more likely to experience self-harm or contemplate suicide. At Worthy, we know that addressing weight changes with sensitivity and care is crucial to preventing the emotional harm caused by neglecting the issue. By creating a compassionate space for dialogue, we empower children to understand their bodies and take the necessary steps to care for their health.

Harsh truth about nurses and doctors trying to tackle childhood obesity: Helping children achieve their healthiest weight isn't just about awareness campaigns or quick interventions.    🌟 You need to build trust and relationships with parents.     🌟You need to have empathetic, compassionate, ongoing conversations with children about their changing bodies.     🌟You need to acknowledge weight bias as well as use person first language. STOP thinking a single program or a handout is enough to "fix the problem." START building effective resources, sustainable habits, and partnerships that support children and their families over time. Let’s redefine how we approach this conversation with kindness, patience, and expertise. 🌟 What have you found most effective in supporting children toward healthier lives? Let’s share ideas below. ⬇️ #bodypostivity #doctors #nurses #dietitians #teachers #socialworkers #schoolnurses #parents #childhoodobesity #Schoollunch #children  #parenting #sleepapena #physicalactivity #worthy #weightbias #bodyshamingprevention #motivationalinterviewing #worthiness  #childrenshealth #healthy #resources #parents #obesity  #childhoodobesity #hypertension #type2diabetes #diabetesawareness #weight #obesitycode #overweightproblems #kids  #kindness #parenting #parentingtips

3 mistakes you are PROBABLY making when discussing a child’s weight gain with parents 1. "You are assuming they know their child has gained too much weight too fast." 2. "You are thinking parents are ready to engage in creating a strategy to help their child." 3. "You are using outdated language to discuss weight gain in children.” The truth is, you were told that childhood obesity is an epidemic that parents can help control. But no one told you HOW. While there’s no magic solution, here are a few ways to get parents to HELP YOU help their child: 1. Below is a free resource “How to Discuss Weight Changes With Parents.” 2. Commit to using stigma free language with parents such as obesity and overweight. 3. Begin infusing kindness into your practice by initiating weight bias and fat-shaming conversations with parents. Are they worried about their child feeling left out, ignored, or mistreated due to their weight? People doing it well in your industry are aware of weight bias and fat shaming language and have stopped using it. You don't have to be a perfect to get started but remember you have to practice to do better for children and their parents! Check out “How to Discuss Weight Changes With Parents below! #bodypostivity #children #parenting #sleepapena #physical #worthy #worthiness #childrenshealth #healthy #resources #parents #obesity #childhoodobesity #hypertension #type2diabetes #diabetesawareness #weight #obesity #obesitycode #overweightproblems #kids #kindness #parenting #parentingtips

If you’re a nurse or a school nurse, I’ve got some information you won’t want to miss… There is ONE THING that is holding you back from discussing rapid weight gain with your students. Do you know what it is? It’s the FEAR of saying the WRONG thing! Not knowing how to speak with children about weight changes can resulting: 👉The child feeling shame and embarrassment. 👉 Putting a child at risk for eating disorders or more weight gain due to comfort eating 👉The child feeling unsafe and alone in a world of weight bias and body-shaming. Sounds a bit discouraging, doesn’t it? But there’s GOOD news! Just like building an exercise habit or learning a new skill, speaking compassionately using kind, balance, true, and necessary words is something you can develop with practice. If you want help to children of all sizes and shapes feel worthy and loved comment WORTHY below so that you can connect with my team! #bodypostivity #children #parenting #sleepapena #physical #worthy #worthiness #childrenshealth #healthy #resources #parents #obesity #childhoodobesity #hypertension #type2diabetes #diabetesawareness #weight #obesity #obesitycode #overweightproblems #kids #kindness #parenting #parentingtips

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Let's Change the Weight Screening For Children Who Are Gaining Too Much Weight Too Fast because: BMI screening policies and weigh-ins can lead to bullying, weight bias, and fat-shaming. Our children with obesity need more sympathetic healthcare practices that preserve their dignity and privacy. #bodypostivity #children #parenting #sleepapena #physical #worthy #worthiness #childrenshealth #healthy #resources #parents #obesity #childhoodobesity #hypertension #type2diabetes #diabetesawareness #weight #obesity #obesitycode #overweightproblems #kids #kindness #parenting #parentingtips