How a Radiologist Is Helping Kids Feel Comfortable in Their Skin – Social Lifestyle Magazine
Every day in her work as a breast radiologist, Dr. Robyn Roth witnesses the fear many people carry about their bodies. That fear, she believes, is often not rooted in biology but in silence. As a mother, she realized that this silence often begins in childhood, when kids are not given simple, honest language to describe their own anatomy. Everyone Has Boobies! was born from that realization.
The playful, age-appropriate picture book is designed to normalize bodies early, before confusion or shame can take hold.
In this interview, the breast radiologist and author shares her perspective as a radiologist, podcaster, and health influencer, along with the inspiration behind her book.
Dr. Roth explained that her daily work strongly influenced her decision to write Everyone Has Boobies!. “As a breast radiologist, I see every day how much fear and confusion people carry about their bodies, especially breasts,” she said. “As a mom, I realized those fears often start very early, when we don’t give kids simple, honest language. I wanted to create a book that normalizes bodies from the beginning, before shame ever has a chance to take hold. This is honestly a book I needed as a child.”
She also believes the book offers an important educational opportunity for children to better understand their bodies. Speaking from a medical perspective, the author shared, “I hope kids learn that bodies come in many shapes and sizes, that changes are normal, and that their bodies aren’t something to be embarrassed about. Most importantly, I want them to feel comfortable asking questions and talking to trusted adults about their health.”
Beyond education, the book serves as a conversation starter for families and school-based professionals. Dr. Roth sees it as a tool that can grow with a child. “I see it as something families can read together or educators can use to introduce anatomy and health in a neutral, supportive way,” she explained.
“It’s not a one-time read. It opens the door to ongoing, age-appropriate discussions. Plus, it’s a super silly book that kids and grown-ups will enjoy reading together.”
Why is a book like Everyone Has Boobies! so necessary? According to the physician, normalization can be both powerful and healing. ‘By treating breasts the same way we treat elbows or knees—as body parts with a purpose—we remove secrecy and giggles,’ she said. ‘When stigma is removed, normalization becomes incredibly powerful.’”
As both a radiologist and a mother, Dr. Roth believes society can do more to support early childhood body education. “We often wait too long and then say too much all at once,” she noted. “What’s missing is early, simple education that grows with the child. When we normalize body parts from the start, we don’t have to undo years of discomfort later.”
She also emphasized the importance of including children in conversations about physical health. “This book fills the gap between silence and science,” the author said. “We talk a lot about body positivity, but we often skip basic body literacy. Everyone Has Boobies! gives kids accurate, inclusive information in a way that feels safe and age-appropriate, helping body education start earlier and feel less awkward.” She hopes parents take away an important message as well: they don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers, just open. “This book helps give parents language and confidence so these conversations feel doable instead of daunting.”
Because the topic can feel sensitive, Dr. Roth was intentional about deciding what was developmentally appropriate. “I tried to be silly, but I focused on clarity, simplicity, and reassurance,” she explained. “There’s no fear-based language, just honest explanations that meet kids where they are. The goal isn’t to overwhelm, but to build familiarity and trust so these topics don’t feel scary later in life.”
Through her work and her book, the physician and mother envisions moments of body empowerment created through knowledge and healthy educational tools. “When you understand your body, it becomes less scary and more familiar,” she said. “Knowledge replaces fear with confidence. That empowerment can last a lifetime, helping people advocate for themselves, recognize when something doesn’t feel right, and seek care without shame.”
Dr. Roth also noted how shame around our bodies can negatively impact medical care. “Shame thrives in secrecy,” she explained. “When kids learn early that bodies are normal and talk-worthy, they’re less likely to feel embarrassed or afraid later. That openness can make a huge difference when it comes to seeking medical care or speaking up about concerns.”
A proud breast cancer advocate, the author continues to emphasize the importance of early detection, risk awareness, and access to accurate information for women and their families, starting with the very first conversations about our bodies. She is known as @theboobiedocs on Instagram, creator of The Boobie Docs educational platform, and hosts the podcast The Girlfriend’s Guide to Breast Cancer, helping women navigate life after a cancer diagnosis.
Thank you to Dr. Roth for sharing her expertise with Social Lifestyle Magazine. Get a copy of Everyone Has Boobies! to educate a child or loved one on this important health conversation, and use it as an opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and build empathy.
Professional Website
Amazon Link to Everyone Has Boobies!
