Teen eating disorders can cause a family to crumble at its foundation. Young adults frequently struggle to fit into their society circle. Having to deal with peer pressure and ideal body images can really put a toll on their delicate self-esteem. Parents should be well aware of the signs and symptoms that accompany dysfunctional eating habits. No matter if the child is male of female, they can develop an eating disorder which will hamper their growth, both physically and mentally.
What Actually Is Teen Eating Disorders?
Parents so often have misconceptions about teen eating disorders. They may believe that society is brainwashing their child into becoming thin, when in reality, it may be the result of their own actions that are helping to promote the negative behavior that their child is exhibiting. If a parent finds comfort in food, then the child will more than likely follow suit. This can lead to anorexia and bulimia or even compulsive eating. Parents must grasp the concept that they are their child’s first line of defense when it comes to avoiding eating disorders.
Where To Find Information About Teen Eating Disorders?
If a parent needs help in finding out more about what they can do to combat teen eating disorders, then they can do a little bit of research on the internet. There are many sites focus on teen eating disorders where parents can learn how to help their teen increase their calorie intake in a healthy way and hopefully avoid the pitfalls of an eating disorder. If a parent is looking for more specific health information, then they can try Web MD or the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Where Can Parents Seek Help?
Parents who are raising adolescents should be aware of the different types of teen eating disorders. Those who become afflicted with these issues need to seek help from specialists, such as therapist or a nutrition professional. Parents also need to remember not to be critical when it comes to their child’s weight. Adolescence is a tough stage of life and having a parent who is constantly nagging about their child’s weight can be very devastating. Seeking medical professionals can help a great deal when it come to learning about how to deal with an eating disorder.
How Parents Can Help Their Teens with Eating Disorders?
When parents try to help their child to avoid succumbing to teen eating disorders, the first thing that they should know is that they are the main person that their child will try to emulate. Monkey see, monkey do, right?
If the parents are constantly dieting and focusing solely on their weight, then the child may develop similar behaviors as well. If the child feels that they are not living up to the standards set by the parents, then they may resort to eating, binging, or purging in order to cope with their health anxiety.
Parents must understand that they do have control, and they must take it.