Every parent and dietitian should read Ellyn Satter’s Your Child’s Weight: Helping Without Harming. Ellyn Satter is a registered dietitian and family therapist, and is considered to be the leading expert on feeding and raising healthy kids.
In the book, Satter refutes the idea that parents must force their children to eat less and exercise more to lose weight. In the long run, this technique backfires, as children become preoccupied with food and turned off to physical activity. Rather, Ellyn coaches parents to feed well, parent well, and allow children to grow up to get the bodies that are right for them.
For a summary of the books main points, read on, or click here for a PDF summary from Satter herself.
Nicole Geurin, MPH, RD 