Teens and Eating Disorders
Discussing body image and eating disorders is difficult, but it is important to create a safe place for your teens to express what they are going through.
Preventing eating disorders in kids requires a lot of a parent. When assessing your first steps, remember that your love and care are vital to your child’s mental and physical wellbeing. Explore our guiding principles for situations where eating disorders might be present in your children.
Mary knew something was wrong. Over the past few months, she noticed that her teenage daughter’s appetite gradually diminished. Mary couldn’t remember the last time a conversation with her daughter didn’t end up focusing on her latest diet or how she didn’t like the way her clothes fit anymore. Beyond the dip in appetite, Mary suspected that her daughter’s self-esteem and exercise habits were continuing their decline. Mary knew she had to do something, but she had no clue where to start to prevent an eating disorder in her teenager.
If you suspect that your child or teenager is struggling with an eating disorder or expresses relevant symptoms, the most important thing is to prioritize love, compassion, and care. In your initial conversations, avoid confrontation. Gather as much information as you can without interrogating your child.
In some cases where issues or symptoms are more severe, the first place to start could be a doctor’s visit. Preventing eating disorders requires early intervention. Remember that each situation is unique and specific to each child or teen. Approach your child and their situation with grace and understanding. Make sure to offer help and hope before you offer criticism.
In any situation, consider appropriate cost-effective treatment plans for your children. Above all else, prioritize your child’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Listen to them, ask questions, and support them through every step of the process.
Even though each situation involving an eating disorder is different, consider implementing these guiding principles with your child. As big life changes occur, such as puberty or the teen years, focus on how your parenting approach can also change to set your child up for success. Preventing an eating disorder is no easy task, but with the proper support system, intervention strategies, and expert medical opinions, you can get your child the help they need.
Explore the following categories for these guiding principles. Mental principles include tips centered on addressing your child’s mentality or thought process. Behavioral principles address situations involving specific behaviors or tendencies surrounding eating disorders. Finally, personal principles focus on your role as a parent and strategies to adjust your perspective and approach.
Remember that there is no one-size fits all solution to prevent eating disorders. However, there is hope in modifying your approach to situations involving eating disorders in your kids.
If you suspect your teen is already developing an eating disorder, seek help immediately. Early detection and treatment can be very important, so consult with a qualified medical or mental health professional right away. Implement some of these guiding principles to mold you family’s approach to better serve your child’s situation. Speak positively with encouragement, even when your children are not around. Finally, if you feel your stress levels and anxiety start to rise, consider counseling or therapy options to ease your burden.
Focus on the Family has licensed and pastoral counselors to listen and provide initial guidance and resources including an offer to pray with you.
Arrange for a free one-time consultation with a member of our Counseling Department staff by completing this form or by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357).