Teaching body boundaries w/ Mary Geffen

Mama Knows

In this conversation, Nina and Mary discuss the complexities of body image, family dynamics, and the importance of setting boundaries, especially during the holiday season. They share personal experiences and practical advice on how to empower children with knowledge about their bodies, navigate family expectations, and communicate effectively about private parts. The discussion emphasizes the significance of fostering a safe environment for children to express their boundaries and the challenges parents face in advocating for their children's autonomy. In this conversation, Mary Van Geffen and Nina discuss the importance of empowering children to set boundaries, the significance of unified parenting, and how to navigate conversations about body image and negative body talk within families. They emphasize the need for open communication, preparation for social situations, and the impact of adult conversations on children's self-esteem and body image.

00:00: Navigating Body Image and Family Dynamics

05:56: Setting Boundaries with Family

11:54: Establishing Healthy Boundaries

22:09: Empowering Children to Set Boundaries

28:27: Navigating Body Image Conversations

About Mary

Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach and parent educator for overwhelmed moms of strong-willed & Spicy Children™. She teaches monthly workshops to help moms gain confidence to choose gentle, respectful parenting especially if they weren’t raised that way. Mary has a ministry on Instagram where she posts an inspiring parenting tip every single day. Just reading her social media will help you delight in your child and remember that you are enough. Mary believes that when a mom realizes how hard she is on herself and cracks the door open for some self-compassion, her entire family is bathed in light! Mary is a certified Simplicity Parenting Counselor® and Professional Co-Active Coach®. Her greatest achievement, however, is cultivating a calm, kind, and firm relationship with her spirited go-getter daughter (17), polar-opposite introverted son (15) and un-Enneagramable hubby.

You can find Mary

At www.maryvangeffen.com for classes and www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen.com and for more information visit

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