Kids Thrive at Every Size

For every parent who’s worried about their child’s weight or size, this insightful book offers an approach to health that focuses on the whole child—not just the growth chart.

All children deserve a future free of health concerns and one full of self-esteem and wellbeing, no matter their size. Yet, given the rise in childhood obesity, there’s enormous pressure on parents to raise fit, thin kids – even if their kids aren’t designed to be that way. So, what does a healthy, fit child look like, and how can parents actually raise one, especially in a world of abundant food, busy lives, toxic diet culture, and societal pressures? Pediatric nutritionist Jill Castle offers parents a roadmap for navigating the ins and outs of raising children who are larger, smaller, or in-between. Drawn from science and experts in medicine, psychology, exercise, sleep, media, and nutrition, this book helps families establish healthy habits with a heightened awareness of the social issues, health concerns, and psychological impact of growing up in today’s culture, especially when larger or smaller. Kids Thrive at Every Size is a holistic, whole child approach to health—focusing on physical and emotional wellness—and empowers parents to create a positive culture of health and self-esteem in their kids, no matter their size.

• “Jill Castle offers sage guidance to parents concerned about their child’s nutrition by promoting a whole-child approach that fosters healthy habits and positive body image regardless of size.”
  —Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, founder of the Dr. Yum Project and coauthor of Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater
   
  “A holistic, practical approach and easy-to-follow advice. Jill Castle offers expertise without judgment.”
  —Charlotte H. Markey, PhD, professor of psychology at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book series
   
  “At a time when our youth's mental, emotional, and physical health is in a state of crisis, Kids Thrive at Every Size is the most important book any parent, educator, or medical provider can read. Jill Castle has written the prescription we all need to raise children who flourish at any size.”
  —Alexia Vernon, author, Step into Your Moxie, and speaking and thought leadership coach
   
  “In Kids Thrive at Every Size, Jill Castle provides parents and caregivers with a balanced approach to health and wellness for children, from a professional who is at the forefront of the pediatric nutrition field. She reminds us that health comes to kids of all sizes and involves so much more than food.”
  —Heidi Schauster, MS, LDN, CEDS-S, SEP, author of Nurture: How to Raise Kids Who Love Food, Their Bodies, and Themselves
   
  “Parents everywhere struggle to meet the impossible standards of raising healthy children in a culture that overvalues appearance. Jill Castle has compiled the most important information and strategies parents need to confidently raise a healthy child at any size. Kids Thrive at Every Size solves a problem that until now felt unsolvable. A true gem!”
  —Maryann Jacobsen author of My Body's Superpower
   
  “Jill emphasizes that all children, regardless of size, deserve to cultivate health-enhancing lifestyle habits, where enjoyment and connection are vital.”
  —Reshma Shah, MD, MPH, pediatrician and award-winning author of Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families
  
  “Jill is best known as America's Pediatric Nutritionist, but she recognizes nutrition is only one part of the whole that makes for a healthy kid. Her book will be my go-to gift for new parents and grandparents.”
   —Dr. Chris Rosenbloom, author of Co-Author, Food & Fitness after 50 and Professor Emerita, Georgia State University
   
  “Jill's approach to body size is brilliant. I highly recommend this book.”
  —Sylvia Klinger, DBA, MS, RD, CPT, Hispanic Food Communications, Inc.
   
  “When it comes to child holistic health and overall well-being, Kids Thrive at Every Size may be the most important book you’ll ever read as a parent, caregiver, or pediatric healthcare clinician.”
  —Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, New York-based pediatric dietitian and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention
   
  “A much-needed resource that highlights the importance of establishing healthy habits and prioritizing mental well-being at every size. As a dietitian and a mother of two boys, I plan to use this book as a valuable guide and a foundation for meaningful conversations.”
  —Andrea (Andy) Mathis, MS, RD and creator of Beautiful Eats & Things
   
  “Jill Castle is a trailblazer in our field.”
  —Ashley Smith, RDN and founder of Veggies & Virtue
   
  “Kids Thrive at Every Size is now my top recommendation for my patients.”
  —Brandie LaSala, MD, pediatrician and weight management physician
   
  “Kids Thrive at Every Size outlines a framework for thinking about how you can define what healthy means for your family beyond just nutrition in a way that will foster confidence, autonomy, and self-acceptance in your child.”
  —Stacie Billis, Cookbook author and podcast Co-host, Didn't I Just Feed You
   
  “In a world with polarizing views on diverse body sizes and nutrition, Kids Thrive at Every Size validates parent’s feelings while offering empathetic and evidence-based solutions.”
  —Kelly Jones MS, RD, CSSD, sports dietitian and mom
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