I began this series as a daily check-in to help us think about how language shapes our children. It shapes how they think, feel, and grow.

And today, we are talking about something many of us grew up hearing at the dinner table:

“You can’t leave the table until you finish your plate.”
“Don’t waste food.”
“Eat everything. It’s good for you.”

We meant well. But what many of us didn’t realize is that these phrases can disconnect children from their own bodies.

Instead of listening to their hunger cues, kids learn to eat to please others.
To finish what is on the plate instead of stopping when they are full.
To ignore the signals their bodies are trying to send.

Here is the truth:

We are not raising perfect eaters.
We are raising intuitive ones.

And one thing I want to make clear is that this is important for boys, too. And for ALL races. I work with teens and it's shocking to see just how many teen boys have unhealthy relationships with food, as well. 

Helping kids develop a positive relationship with food means teaching them to trust their internal signals.

Today’s message will help you shift from control-based eating to curiosity-led conversations that build body awareness, autonomy, and gratitude.

But, first, I want to share this post I found on social media regarding someone's struggle with this message.

 The Harm These Phrases Can Do

• Kids learn to eat for approval instead of nourishment

• They begin to ignore fullness to avoid disappointing adults

• They lose connection with their bodies, which can impact eating habits later in life

   

• Rushing to finish meals even when full

• Feeling guilt or shame for not eating everything

• Anxiety around meals or picky eating

• Overeating or ignoring hunger cues entirely

  

Let’s feed their bodies and build their self-trust at the same time.