3 Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling with an Eating Disorder (and How You Can Help)
Hi there, it’s Christina again! Even though Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) has passed, the conversation around eating disorders and their impact continues. I’m here to share another nugget of information to help us all better understand and address these important issues. Today, we’re talking about something that’s often hard for parents to spot: the early signs of an eating disorder in children. It can be subtle at first, but knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference.
1. Foods They Once Loved Are Suddenly Off the Table
Has your child stopped eating foods they used to enjoy? Maybe their favorite pasta or after-school snacks are suddenly “not their thing anymore.” While food preferences can change, eliminating entire food groups or specific meals can be a red flag. This shift may indicate that they’re becoming overly focused on controlling what they eat.
How You Can Help:
👉 Gently remind your child that variety in food is important for their growth and energy.
👉 Encourage them to think about the foods they’ve always loved and how those foods bring joy and nourishment to our bodies.
👉 Invite one of their friends over for a movie night and plan their favorite snacks to share- this helps to normalize all foods.
2. A New Fixation with Diet Trends
Has your child started talking about the latest diet trend they heard on social media? Or through their friends? Whether it’s keto, intermittent fasting, or some other dieting buzzword, a sudden preoccupation with “eating the right way” could signal a deeper issue. While curiosity about food and health is normal, a fixation on restrictive eating styles is cause for concern.
How You Can Help:
🫶 Share your family’s food culture and traditions with them. Explain why you eat the way you do and the importance of balance in meals.
🫶 Emphasize that food is about essentials nutrients, flavour enjoyment, celebrating togetherness, and fueling a happy life.
Take the time to assess your own eating habits and the messaging you might inadvertently be sharing with your child
3. More Time Alone and Less Time at the Table
Is your child retreating to their room during family dinners or opting out of meals altogether saying they already ate? Isolation can often accompany changes in eating habits, as children may feel self-conscious or overwhelmed during mealtimes. They may feel they need to change their food habits because of issues they are having with anxiety related to events at school, with friends, or within the home. Children struggle to put words to feelings and need adults to help them identify changes in their behaviour.
How You Can Help:
✨Create a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about their feelings around food and eating.
✨Invite them to join you in preparing meals to rekindle a positive relationship with food.
✨ If their habits continue to change or you’re feeling concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Why Early Action Matters
Catching these signs early can make a significant impact on your child’s journey to health and happiness. Remember, you’re not alone in this – eating disorders are complex but treatable with the right support. At Healthy Essentials Clinic, we’re here to help families in the Okanagan and beyond navigate these challenges with compassion and care.Let’s work together to make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive – body, mind, and spirit. For more resources, visit our list here or watch my short video below.
Until next time, take care and know that small steps can lead to big changes!