How to Talk to Kids about Real Bodies and Real Health with Nancy Redd

Title Image for the Podcast Episode of How to Talk to Kids about Anything with guest Nancy Redd

This episode dives deep into fostering body literacy, normalizing conversations about health, and empowering kids with knowledge about their bodies. Dr. Robyn Silverman and Nancy Redd discuss the importance of building confidence, addressing insecurities, and navigating the challenges of body changes.

INTRODUCTION:

Our kids are savvy and connected these days—and yet, many of them don’t know much about their own bodies. Body knowledge, puberty, menstruation, masturbation, and so much more, have remained taboo in many cases- even though we all have a body and know others who have them too! Let’s take the “un” part out of “unmentionable” and start talking to kids about their bodies from a young age. As you read in my book, when it comes to protecting the body and keeping the body healthy, body knowledge is of utmost importance. It allows children to report when someone is touching their body in inappropriate ways, hurting a child, or when something in their body doesn’t feel right. So let’s get talking.

Bio:

Nancy Redd is a New York Times best-selling author, a seasoned health journalist and personal care product reviewer, and a GLAAD-award nominated on-air host called the perfect combination of style and substance” by ESSENCE magazine. The former Miss Virginia and honors Harvard graduate has dedicated her multifaceted career to encouraging self-confidence and inclusive representation in all facets of mainstream media. Her latest book, THE REAL BODY MANUAL, is a uniquely photographic head-to-toe health and wellness book for all people from puberty on up that BookRiot calls “ready to support literally any human who wants to learn more about bodies,” and has been called “a treasure trove of detailed, reader-friendly information” by both the founder and board chair of Our Bodies Ourselves and “the book I wish I had growing up,” by puberty expert and bestselling author Dr. Cara Natterson—who you just heard on a recent episode of How to Talk to Kids about Anything. Nancy lives in Los Angeles with her two kids and husband, all of whom are actors.

Important Messages:

Fostering Body Literacy (Nancy Redd): We have to teach kids the names of their body parts early on—not just the common ones, but all of them. Kids who know their anatomy can articulate when something feels wrong, if they’re in pain, or if someone’s crossed a boundary. It’s not about telling them everything all at once but giving them the tools to communicate confidently. Understanding their bodies is crucial for safety and self-advocacy.
Empathy Through Shared Experiences (Dr. Robyn Silverman): When parents share their own body-related challenges or embarrassing moments, it sends a message: nobody’s perfect. Kids need to know that it’s okay to have struggles because everyone makes mistakes and learns from them. Sharing our experiences opens up conversations, reduces shame, and strengthens the bond between parent and child.
Body Knowledge as Power (Nancy Redd): Kids today are navigating a world with so much misinformation, and if they don’t have a basic understanding of their bodies, they’re at a disadvantage. Whether it’s about puberty, health concerns, or consent, this knowledge is empowering. It’s not just about knowing—it’s about giving them the confidence to handle what comes their way.
The Impact of Media Representation (Dr. Robyn Silverman): When kids only see one type of body idealized in media, they can start believing that’s the only way to be beautiful. But real bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and that’s what we need to emphasize. Diversity is beautiful, and our kids need to see that reflected everywhere, not just in idealized images.
Creating Safe Spaces for Questions (Nancy Redd): Kids need to know they can come to you without fear of judgment. It’s about creating a safe space for them to ask questions about anything—whether it’s acne, periods, or body changes. When they know you’re approachable, they’ll be more likely to talk to you about things that matter, even when it feels awkward.
The Danger of Silent Suffering (Nancy Redd): When kids don’t feel empowered to talk about body-related issues, they’re more likely to suffer in silence. And those small issues can turn into big problems if they go unaddressed. Teaching kids to speak up normalizes seeking help and shows them there’s no shame in taking care of their health.
Navigating Puberty Challenges (Dr. Robyn Silverman): Puberty can feel like a rollercoaster, but it’s a time of growth—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s important to acknowledge these changes as milestones rather than struggles. When kids see their bodies evolving, we need to help them embrace those changes and understand that they’re just a natural part of growing up.
Neutral Language Around Bodies (Nancy Redd): It’s so important to adopt body-neutral language. Phrases like ‘healthy body’ and ‘strong body’ shift the focus from appearance to functionality and well-being. This helps kids see their bodies as tools that carry them through life, rather than objects to be judged.
Empowering Kids to Set Boundaries (Dr. Robyn Silverman): Teaching consent can start small. It’s as simple as respecting a child’s wish to stop tickling or giving them control over who they hug. These lessons build a foundation for understanding personal boundaries and help kids feel confident in standing up for themselves in all areas of life.
Addressing Embarrassing Topics (Nancy Redd): Kids shouldn’t feel ashamed about topics like pimples, sweat stains, or periods. These are normal parts of life. If we normalize these conversations early, kids will feel better equipped to deal with them instead of hiding or feeling embarrassed.
Celebrating Body Diversity (Nancy Redd): When we show kids real examples of body diversity—like scars, stretch marks, or freckles—they start to see that there’s no single way to be beautiful. When kids see that real bodies aren’t airbrushed or flawless, they’re more likely to appreciate their own.
Building Confidence Through Understanding (Dr. Robyn Silverman): When kids understand why their body behaves a certain way, it builds their confidence. Knowledge is the antidote to shame. If we can help them make sense of these changes, we can reduce fear and confusion while empowering them to feel good about themselves.

Notable Quotables:

“Teaching kids about their bodies is the best way to empower them for life.” – Nancy Redd
“There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, but showing up with love and curiosity is enough.” – Dr. Robyn Silverman
“Knowledge isn’t just power—it’s confidence, safety, and freedom.” – Nancy Redd
“Your child’s body isn’t wrong; it’s theirs to own and celebrate.” – Nancy Redd
“Real bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—and every one is worthy of respect.” – Robyn Silverman
“Understanding your body is the first step to advocating for your health.” – Nancy Redd
“Empower your kids by being their safe space, no matter the topic.” – Dr. Robyn Silverman
“When we stop shaming bodies, we open the door to real conversations about health.” – Nancy Redd
“Consent starts with small actions, like respecting a child’s ‘no.’” – Dr. Robyn Silverman
“It’s okay to not have all the answers—just keep the dialogue open.” – Nancy Redd

Resources:

For Nancy Redd:

Website: https://www.nancyredd.com/
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyredd/?hl=en
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/nancyredd

Get a copy of her book:
(1) The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness– October 22, 2024 (2) The Real Santa –October 3, 2023
(3) Bedtime Bonnet – April 7, 2020
(4) Pregnancy, OMG!: The First Ever Photographic Guide for Modern Mamas-to-Be– April 3, 2018
(5) Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers – December 27, 2007
Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001RAJ4JU

For Dr. Robyn Silverman: