|
|
»» YOUTHPSYCH.COM ARTICLE» Are you increasing the chance your child will develop an eating disorder?
|
Are you increasing the chance your child will develop an eating disorder?
Candice Chaloupka, MA LMHC
If you are one of the millions of Americans that is an expert in the latest diet that will help you "lose 10 lbs in 2 days" you should know your your constant search for the miracle diet could increase you child's chances of developing an eating disorder.
At this time anorexia and bulimia are becoming more common and sadly, its victims are younger. It used to be most commonly found in adolescent girls but now it's prevalent in girls who are in elementary school (my youngest client was 8 years old).
There are numerous factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder, poor body image being one of them. Why do young girls start worrying about their weight? To answer that, parents (mostly mothers) need to ask themselves how they feel about their own body.
Children learn so much from parents besides the obvious skills, like tying your shoes. Parents teach children about relationships, marriage, stress-management and self-esteem, including body image. Basically children model that they see and hear. More and more parents are "watching their weight" by following fad diets that are typically not healthy.
So many parents "model" unhealthy and potentially harmful attitudes about weight and food to their children. Sadly, I have heard girls as young as 1st grade express fears that their "butt is too big" or that they can't have ice cream because 'I'll get fat".
The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia, the country's leading authority on eating disorders recommend the following to help parents teach children to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies and food:
- Avoid negative statements about your own body and your own eating
- Model balanced behavior for your kids - eating all foods in moderation and moving your body for fun and fitness
- Remember that people come in all shapes and sizes - we are so much more than our looks
- Do not pressure your child to be a superstar, super achiever, or perfect
- Be involved and actively aware of the messages your kids are getting from school, peers, coaches, TV shows and fashion magazines regarding weight and size
- Help your child develop interests and skills, which will lead to personal expression and fulfillment without undue emphasis on appearance
- Make family meals relaxed and friendly. Refrain from commenting on children's eating, resolving family conflicts at the table and using food as a punishment or reward
- Listen to your children. Create time for real communication
- Know your child - if you notice a pattern of anxiety or depression - get help immediately
- Do not put your child on a diet or exercise program
I would add that seeking help for your own issues with food and body would also benefit you and your child.
For more information on eating disorders and the Renfrew Center go to www.renfrewcenter.com.
For a great website that offers young girls a chance to see exactly what editors and artists do to make cover models look 'perfect' please visit the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs "Retouch" site.
|
|
|
|
|
The Power of Anger Management!
|
|
|
Make a donation
to Youthpsych.com
|
