Tips for Preventing Eating Disorders in Kids

Eating disorders run in my daughter's family-- unfortunately, on both sides. For this reason, I felt nervous when I noticed that she ate less than other toddlers, and it sank in again when strangers would mention that she was "little" or "skinny" for her age. Although she was never clinically underweight-- and although I didn't want to worry about a normal and natural toddler behavior-- I was concerned that she could be experiencing a precursor behavior, which could turn into an eating disorder later in childhood or adolescence.

I talked to my daughter's pediatrician and a few other moms for help, because I wanted to prevent this early behavior from becoming a lifelong compulsion. And the steps I took paid off: immediately after I started taking these steps, she began eating more and gained a significant amount of healthy weight. I believe that, if I continue following these guidelines, she is unlikely to have an eating disorder in the future.

1. Compromise on nutrition if necessary. Before I had my daughter, I knew a woman who had twin three-year-olds who never touched junk food. They ate an all-organic, unprocessed, vegetarian diet. Dessert, in their family, was an orange. Dinner consisted of vegetables, whole grains and tofu. At the time, I believed that my family would have a similar pattern, but I realize now that-- given her familial history of eating disorders-- I could not be that strict without unintentionally harming my daughter in the name of nutrition. You may be able to prevent eating disorders by easing up on your family's sugar-and-food-coloring policy.

2. Don't focus on weight. It's good to tell your kids if you're concerned about their health, but keep your focus health-related, not weight-related. Don't tell your twelve-year-old that she shouldn't eat a cupcake because it might make her fat. Instead, have a candid and honest discussion about the effects of sugar on her body. When your kids exercise, make sure that it's about fun and fitness, not vanity.

3. Stay involved in your kid's life. Know what's going on in your child's life-- not just in terms of schoolwork and friends, but also in terms of emotional challenges that she faces. Do you know how your sixteen-year-old feels about her body? Do you know if your twelve-year-old is upset that he doesn't have facial hair? If you know how your kids feel about themselves, you're more likely to pick up on the subtle early signs of an eating disorder.

4. Look for warning signs. If your child begins dieting or otherwise restricting her food intake, find out why. Eating disorders run far deeper than the simple desire to be thin. Other issues, such as depression, feeling a lack of control, or a subconscious desire for peer approval, also play a role, If you notice any change in your child's weight or food intake that concerns you, talk to her. If you are still concerned, seek professional help.

5. Encourage self esteem. Yes, you've heard this before. In fact, the entire concept of "self esteem" is now so ubiquitous yet misunderstood that parents now tune it out most of the time. But self esteem really is key in enabling any kind of long-term mental health for your child, including the prevention of eating disorders.