Muresan Ramona Ioana English Anul II-A,AMG

Tips for parents whose children suffer from eating

disorders

The cult of filiform silhouettes, but also the fact that the opinion of
those around about the physical appearance weighs much more heavily than
one's own health are the two most important factors that contribute to the
rapid spread of these conditions. Other risk factors for the occurrence of
eating disorders are: age (in general, people under 20 are affected), heredity,
family influences or emotional disorders.  

Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders that affect, worldwide, an

alarmingly high number of teenage girls and represent the third most common
chronic disease among them. There are also men affected by eating disorders,
but their number is much smaller compared to that of women.

Tips for parents of children with eating disorders

Encourage her to accept the help of a doctor or a psychologist! If he
refuses, do not insist for the moment, but resume discussions on this topic
later. 
Tell her that you are worried about her health, without particularly
addressing her eating behaviour! Mention to her that you have noticed that
there is something wrong with her and that you are there to listen and support
her! Assure her that you love her unconditionally, that she is not alone and that
you will always be there for her.

Avoid any remark that could refer to his physical appearance and don't
even tell him that he "looks good"! For someone who makes an effort to abstain
from food, "looking good" is synonymous with "getting fat." Remember that she
sees things differently, not the way those around her see t hem.