About the Episode:
Many of us grew up learning that exercise was about punishment or performance: “No pain, no gain.” “Burn off that cookie.” But what happens when we want something better for our kids? In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares unpacks her own complicated relationship with movement, how diet culture sneaks into exercise, and practical ways parents can help kids see movement as care, joy, and connection. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a reluctant mover, or somewhere in between, you’ll learn how to shift the conversation away from shame and toward lifelong well-being.
This Episode Covers:
Whitney’s personal story of running as a child and how it shaped her relationship with exercise.
How diet culture hijacks movement with sneaky, shame-filled messages.
Why movement should be framed as care—not punishment—for kids and parents alike.
The three anchors for teaching kids about movement:
- Helping their bodies function well
- Helping their bodies feel good—now and long-term
- Helping them build connection with themselves and others
What to do if your child resists movement (and why lowering the pressure matters).
Insights from guests Robin Long (The Balanced Life) and Lauren Chaitoff (108 Awesome Yoga Poses for Kids) on reconnecting with our bodies and bringing mindfulness into everyday life.
Real-life examples of nontraditional ways to move—from K-pop dance to sword fights in the backyard.
How to let go of your own nostalgia and expectations so your kids can find their “thing.”
Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today?
📘 Pre-order the Book
Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body before it launches on October 20, 2025.
👉
www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books
🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus
When you pre-order, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with:
- Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs”
- How to talk about health without weight talk
- What to do when your own inner critic shows up
- How to interrupt diet culture at home
- The first step to raising a body-confident kid—even if you didn’t grow up as one
📩Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
