Rethinking Wellness

Parenting for Positive Body Image with Charlotte Markey, PhD

In this episode of Rethinking Wellness, host Christy Harrison talks with body image researcher Dr. Charlotte Markey about the many factors shaping children's body image and practical ways parents can foster positivity. They discuss the lack of kid‑focused resources, the importance of nuanced conversations about food, size, and gender from early childhood onward, and how parents can model healthy attitudes by avoiding weight‑related talk and correcting stereotypes. Dr. Markey shares insights from her book, The Body Image Book for Girls, and offers a six‑step media‑literacy process to help youth navigate diet culture. Both guests reflect on their own parenting experiences, emphasizing that consistent, values‑driven dialogue—rather than perfect speeches—builds resilience in kids.