In these times of economical upheaval many parents are working full-time and even additional side jobs to make ends meet for their children. While parents are so busy trying to properly provide for their children, often times, their teenagers are getting pulled into eating habits that are definitely not in their best interest. Teen-aged eating disorders are one of these dangerous eating habits.
Current Eating Disorder Research
The best way a parent can help their child to stay away from teen-aged eating disorders is to be aware of what they eat and to be a good role model where eating is concerned. When you call, text or touch base with your teen, ask them if they have eaten and what did they have that was good sort of thing? It not only shows them how much you love and care about them but it teaches them to become responsible for the food choices that they make on a daily basis.
A lot of parents that have children with teen-aged eating disorders often will say that they did not know this was happening with their teen. So, that all parents learn from this, it is time to become more aware of what is going on in your home and kitchen. Trying to schedule family dinner meals is also helpful because you can then actually see what your teens are eating.
Anorexia Nervosa is one of the top teenage eating disorders followed closely by bulimia. There are also teens that are compulsive exercisers and/or teens that will only eat certain foods with hardly any calories in them. Doing any or all of these things on a regular basis will result in your teen dropping a lot of weight in a short period of time. Boys have also been known to suffer from the same disorders, just not at the same high rate as the girls, however, boys can become compulsive about working out excessively to gain a more athletic build.
Some signs of these teenage eating disorders are weight loss, mood swings, secret activity, change in behavior, distancing themselves from you and any activities regarding food. Watch out for your teen if they are skipping meals a lot or if you have not seen your teen eating lately. Even though everyone is busy, you should still notice your teen in the kitchen eating or hunting through the fridge or pantry. If they are not, it’s time to find out why. Unfortunately, if your teen should have one of these eating disorders, chances are very good that they have gotten really clever about hiding it from you on a daily basis. A good test is to plan to take that one teen out to her favorite place for a lunch with just you. If things are normal, that child should be ordering their favorite menu item there and eating and enjoying just about all of their meal. Watch out for teens that are layering their clothes to a crazy level and not walking around your home in just a tee shirt and pj bottoms because they may be hiding this awful illness. If you suspect any of this is a problem in your home, always check with your doctor for care and advice.
This is another reason I am glad I have a boy. I'm aware of the pressures the world has especially on females to look like the models and be skinny and perfect. I would not want a daughter of mine to feel this pressure.
ReplyDeleteI had an eating disorder when I was a teenager, and no my parents didn't know I was even struggling with it. If I ever have children someday, I know I'll know what to look for.
ReplyDeleteWith all the push to be skinny in our world today, it's no wonder teens are struggling with this as much.
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