5 Tips for Supporting A Child With An Eating Disorder
Recovering from an eating disorder can be a challenging journey, both for the individual and their loved ones. As a caregiver, parent, or guardian, it's essential to provide gentle and supportive guidance to aid in their recovery process. Here are some tips to help you support a child or teenager navigating through eating disorder recovery with compassion and understanding:
Practice Neutral Language Around Food
Words hold power when it comes to discussing food. Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad," can reinforce unhealthy associations and behaviors. Instead, focus on promoting a balanced approach to eating, where all foods are allowed, rather than attaching moral value to what they eat.
Keep a Variety of Foods in the Home
Creating a diverse and inclusive food environment at home is helpful for promoting a healthy relationship with food. Stock your kitchen with a wide range of options if accessible, including snack foods, produce, carbohydrates, desserts, and more! Having plenty of choices available can help alleviate anxiety around mealtimes and encourage experimentation with different foods.
Emulate Adequate Portioning with Your Food
Children often learn by example, so it's essential to model positive eating behaviors yourself. Demonstrate adequate portion sizes during meals and snacks. Avoid making comments about needing to "watch what you eat" or engaging in dieting behaviors, as this can inadvertently reinforce disordered eating patterns.
Avoid Talking About Your Own Dieting or Body Image
Be mindful of the messages you convey about body image and self-worth. Refrain from discussing diets, weight loss goals, or negative body comments in front of your child. Instead, focus on promoting body positivity and self-acceptance by celebrating the unique qualities and strengths of each individual. Encourage open communication and reassure your child that they are loved and valued regardless of their appearance or size.
Join a Loved One Support Group
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Seek out support groups or online communities specifically tailored to caregivers of individuals with eating disorders. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can provide a sense of validation, encouragement, and practical advice. Share your experiences, ask questions, and lean on each other for support during difficult times.
Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex and ongoing process that requires patience, understanding, and unwavering support. You are learning alongside your child and it is okay that this journey takes time. Remember, this journey may have its ups and downs, but with dedication and support, healing is possible.
Contact Us
If you'd like to learn more about how I can support you and your family on this journey, please don't hesitate to contact me and schedule your free discovery call today.
Emilee Young is an eating disorder dietitian and founder of Embrace Nutrition Counseling. She supports all ages and genders in healing their relationship with food and embracing their natural body size. She specializes in binge eating disorder and works from a Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating framework.
Embrace Nutrition Counseling provides virtual nutrition counseling to residents in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Including Virginia Beach, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, and Richmond Virginia.
Services offered include support for- Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Other Specified Eating Disorder, ARFID, Prenatal and Postnatal Nutrition.
