How to Help Your Child Overcome Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are a serious problem for children, but if you have a child who suffers from anorexia, bulimia, or any other type of disordered eating, you can do something to help. Here are a few things you can do to help your child overcome their eating disorder.

1. Be patient.

A lot of people think that if a child has an eating disorder, they’re going to grow out of it, but that’s not necessarily true. Many children and adolescents with eating disorders will continue to struggle with their disorder throughout their lifetime. Your child is going through a very difficult time, so be patient with them and try not to make too many demands.

2. Make them feel safe.

The more your child feels safe and secure, the more likely they’ll be able to overcome their eating disorder. If your child feels uncomfortable around food, or if they’re being teased about their weight, they may avoid eating altogether. They may also restrict how much they eat and exercise. Talk to your child about their feelings and encourage them to talk to someone about them.

3. Don’t take their eating disorder too seriously.

If your child says they’ve been skipping meals, it’s probably just a way for them to deal with stress. If they don’t eat for days at a time, make sure they’re getting enough rest and sleep.

4. Do your best to remain positive.

Don’t take their eating disorder or any negative comments about their weight personally. Remind your child that everyone has insecurities, and remind them that you love them no matter what.

5. Encourage them to get help.

If your child is struggling with an eating disorder, encourage them to seek out help. Make sure they’re getting all the help they need, including medical treatment. There are also a number of resources on eating disorders, including websites like www.eatingdisorderhelp.com and www.eatingdisorders.org.

6. Be a good role model.

Parents are often the ones who give their children the most pressure, but it’s important for you to be a good role model for your child. Try to avoid diets and fad diets. Instead, make sure that you and your family eat healthy, balanced meals.

7. Accept their differences.

It may be hard to accept that your child has an eating disorder, but it’s important that you do. The way that they look and how they behave may seem unusual to you, but they’re not crazy. You should still show them love and support, but make sure that you’re not enabling their eating disorder by giving in to their requests.

8. Be honest.

If you notice that your child is skipping meals, make sure you tell them about it. Make sure they know that you’re trying to help, but that you’re also concerned. Try to be understanding, and don’t pressure them to eat. Let them know that you care about them, and that you want to help.

9. Keep it in perspective.

It’s okay to be worried about your child, but remember that they’re kids, and it’s normal for them to worry about their physical appearance. Let them know that you’re there to support them, and that you’ll always love them no matter what.

10. Be vigilant.

Don’t let your child get away with skipping meals or restricting their intake of food. If you see that they’re skipping meals, encourage them to eat. You may have to be a bit firm, but be kind and loving.

11. Have a support system.

It can be really hard to be a parent, but if you have a partner, a friend, or even a relative who can help, try to lean on them. If your child has a parent who is struggling with an eating disorder, make sure that they have a place to go for support and advice.

12. Don’t isolate yourself.

When your child is going through an eating disorder, it can be really isolating. They may become obsessed with food and weight, and it can be hard to get out of the house. If you can, make sure that you and your child are spending quality time together.

13. Remember that it’s okay to be sad.

Being sad about your child’s eating disorder is okay, as long as you stay positive. If you’re feeling sad, make sure to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. You may also want to consider visiting a counselor.

14. Be supportive.

Your child may not be interested in the things that you like, but try to encourage them to eat. Even if they don’t want to, don’t force them to eat, or even share their food. Make sure they know that you’re there to support them, and that you love them no matter what.

15. Help them get out of the house.

If your child is going through an eating disorder, they may be afraid to leave the house. Make sure that they know that they’re not alone, and that you’re there to support them.