Your Child Is Not Their Weight

"Skelton has constructed a nuanced and practical road map for prioritizing children’s overall well-being. Parents will find this a boon." —Publishers Weekly

“[A] reassuring, evidence-informed guide . . . Blending scientific insight with practical, real-world experience, this book is a valuable and trustworthy resource for parents navigating these challenges.” —Jamy Ard, MD, FTOS, professor, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Past President, The Obesity Society

“With his signature good humor and authentic voice, Dr Skelton shows families how they can make positive changes while also enjoying mealtimes, family activities, and the joys of being together.” —Sarah C. Armstrong, MD, FAAP, associate director, Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight, American Academy of Pediatrics; professor of pediatrics, Duke University

"Like a beacon, this book lights the way for families, guiding them with research evidence and practical, hands-on experience to help them form healthy habits that promote balance." —Geoff D.C. Ball, PhD, RD, FTOS, professor and associate chair (research), Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

"Dr Skelton vividly describes the challenges parents . . . through stories about families, he demonstrates realistic strategies that are child centered, emotionally healthy, and compassionate for both children and parents." —Sarah E. Barlow, MD, MPH, FAAP, professor of pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; director, Children’s Health Integrated Programs in Childhood Obesity; and coauthor, “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity,” American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023

“This book blends compassion with medicine, science, insight, and wisdom. It is so helpful, and so human, and has been needed for so long.” —Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, dean emeritus, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University

"From the experienced leaders of one of the most well-respected pediatric weight management programs in the United States comes this well-researched, thoughtful, and timely guide to empower parents and caregivers." —Sarah Hampl, MD, FAAP, Kemper Endowed Professor, Children’s Mercy Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition; professor of pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

“[A] compassionate, evidence-based guide that helps families support their children’s health without focusing on the scale. This thoughtful and timely book reflects the American Academy of Pediatrics commitment to promoting children’s physical and emotional well-being free from stigma or shame.” —Aaron S. Kelly, PhD, professor of pediatrics and codirector of the Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota

“This book is a salve for parents trying to raise children who are happy, enjoy eating healthy food and physical activity, and love their bodies.” —Mary Story, PhD, RD, professor, Family Medicine and Community Health, Pediatrics, and Global Health, and director, Healthy Eating Research, Duke University