It’s common knowledge that children can be fussy eaters. However, how do you know if it has crossed the line and turned into an eating disorder? Eating disorders can occur in children of all ages. It may start simply by refusing some meals before becoming obsessed with their weight or watching calories. It can be upsetting to watch your child battle with an eating disorder. Most parents do not know how to cope with the situation.
What to Do if You Think Your Child Has an Eating Disorder
There are different types of eating disorders. These include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, which are incredibly different and spark distinct behaviors. Let’s look at some of the things you can do if you believe your child has an eating disorder.
Don’t blame yourself.
It’s common for many parents to blame themselves when they believe their child has an eating disorder. Please don’t do this. Take reassurance that any loving parent cannot cause an eating disorder. Time spent worrying about what you have done wrong is time wasted. Put this time to better use, such as researching more about the illness or acquiring the relevant professional help.
Get informed
Some parents go into panic mode when they notice that their child has an eating disorder. Others go into denial because they don’t want to face the situation’s reality. Neither panic nor denial will be helpful in the long term, though.
Research as much research as possible about mental health and how this could impact your child’s eating patterns. There are a variety of different sources to browse through to better educate yourself on the different types of eating disorders, including:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- The Academy for Eating Disorders
- Psychology Today
The better informed you are about eating disorders, the better choices you will make in getting your child back to full health. If you’re don’t have access to the sources mentioned before, you can try to google for local psychologists that might help you. A good example of it is http://peacefulmind.com.au.
Talk to your child.
Although you may be nervous to begin the conversation with your child about their relationship with food, it’s a must. Do know that you may not get a positive reaction by getting them to open up. They may communicate their emotions with resentment or denial.
However, it’s essential to understand the next steps to take to the root of the dilemma. Anorexia, for example, is typically centered around discontentment with body weight. At the same time, a binge eating disorder may occur due to being unable to control emotions, having low self-esteem, or the repercussion of abuse.
If your child has an eating disorder
Binge eating is often less spoken about as a common eating disorder. It can still be just as severe on the body and mind due to being triggered by severe psychological issues. Consequently, your child must get the help they need from specialists trained in this particular area.