5 Steps to Take in Preventing Disordered Eating in Children and Teens
Disordered eating has been on the rise for many years. This spike has been attributed to many different things including TV, movies, influences of celebrities and more recently, social media. With all the information of the world at our fingertips, young minds can be easily manipulated into certain mindsets and behaviors with each scroll. As parents, it is imperative that action is taken to prevent disordered eating and behaviors leading to it to ensure the wellbeing of the future generations.
Here are some steps you can take today to prevent disordered eating in children and teens:
Learn more about nutrition! Science is ever-changing and so is nutrition. Opening yourself up to learn more about nourishing you and your families bodies with good nutrition while also learning about balance, intuitive eating and how to discuss health in an appropriate and encouraging way with your children will set them up for success. Working alongside a registered dietitian can help you learn more about the latest in nutrition!
Create an open and loving environment. Discussing difficult topics such as eating disorders and body insecurities can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for both parents and children/teens. Creating a safe space where these things can be discussed openly, calmly and in a supportive manner will help reduce the unknown in you and your child’s relationship and make them feel more comfortable about sharing their concerns with you. You will be able to guide them in the right direction or help them in the ways they need!
Monitor social media usage. This one can be very tricky because you want to find the balance between granting your child some privacy and respect while also protecting them from the dangers of social media. Having some family boundaries set around social media that are discussed with your child can be a great way to achieve this balance. You can say things like, “I would like to follow you on Instagram, would you be comfortable with this?” and if they react negatively, you can always explain your perspective and reasoning behind the boundary in order to show your child respect while also keeping your boundary there. The old, “because I say so” may not be best when trying to establish trust with your child so explaining your reasoning is always a great way to go about boundary setting.
Change your vocabulary! Much easier said than done, but trying to actively replace words that can put ideas of body dysmorphia or disordered eating in your child’s mind can be very important to creating a healthy relationship with food for your child. For example, comments about others bodies in a negative way can translate to your child subconsciously thinking about their body in a negative way or calling certain foods, “junk foods” can instill guilt in your child every time they enjoy that food at a birthday party. Meanwhile, uplifting the appearances of others with praise and love and having an “all foods fit in a balanced diet” attitude with your family will instill positive relationships with food and body image for your child.
Practice what you preach! You could preach loving your body, eating nutritious foods, all foods fit, and enjoying the foods you love all you want but if you don’t walk-the-walk, your child will notice. You are the example for them and they look up to you on how to live their lives. For both you and your child’s well-being, it is important to make adjustments and actively encourage a positive relationship with food.
Making small adjustments in your life and taking the steps mentioned above can help in preventing disordered eating and a negative relationship with food in your children and teens. For more detailed help or nutrition counseling for eating disorders, please email Kayla Abella RDN at nutrikaywellness@gmail.com