|
|
|
Eating DisordersWhat causes eating disorders? Many people think eating disorders are all about body image -- for example, how magazines portray the female body -- but this might not always be so. Eating disorders might be caused by a crisis of confidence, a reaction to a terrible situation, repressed anger or fear, or perhaps a perception of lack of control. It's not uncommon for daughters with absent or inattentive fathers -- and/or distant or critical mothers -- to develop an eating disorder. Tell them they're beautiful: Finally, we can't tell you how many times we've heard this: "Don't tell her she's beautiful! She'll start to believe it!" We think this attitude is incredibly destructive to a child's self-esteem. It's our gut feeling that all children - male or female - need affirmation of their attractiveness. If they don't receive it from their parents, they'll go looking for it elsewhere (often from all the wrong places). Your children shouldn't be told that that beauty is all that matters or that they must meet some societal ideal. But your children should be told -- frequently and sincerely -- that they are beautiful and worthwhile people to you. Professional help: If you're dealing with a person suffering from an eating disorder, exhorting her or him to "Eat!" or to "Just eat properly!" probably won't work until underlying issues are dealt with. Often, these problems must be resolved at a family level and with professional help. Viewing any eating disorder -- whether over or under eating -- as an individual failing (or as an attack on you) might help you feel better, but it's unlikely to resolve the disorder. Web sites that don't help: Beware of Web sites that encourage your child in self-destructive habits. There are several that promote eating disorders, for example, and it's easy for them to ensnare your children. Be very aware of what your children view over the Internet, and take immediate action if you see destructive Web sites showing up in the computer's viewing history.
Possible Symptoms of an Eating Disorder: Note: not all symptoms will be present with any one disorder. The symptoms for anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive over-eating are different from each other.
|
|
Safer Child, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with federal tax-exempt status. Please note: 1) External organizations listed herein do not necessarily endorse Safer Child positions, nor do we necessarily endorse theirs. We list them as a courtesy and aren't responsible for their accuracy, completeness or content. 2) We recommend you maintain a healthy skepticism when reviewing information on the Internet; it might appear to be reliable -- yet actually be false, misleading, incomplete, out-of-date and/or intentionally harmful. 3) There might be material on the Internet that you disagree with or find objectionable; preview all sites before viewing them with your child. 4) We are not responsible for external addresses/phone numbers changing without our knowledge. 5) The information and commentary on this site are not substitutes for professional advice from your doctor, lawyer, or mental health professional. 6) Requests for permission to republish, copy and/or distribute any material found on this Web site should be directed to Safer Child, Inc.
Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Safer Child, Inc. All rights reserved. |
- by
Selene Yeager, Prevention Health
Books - This is an incredibly informative book on nutrition. It goes A-Z on
various foods, medical conditions and necessary nutrients. If you know you
should eat apples and spinach but you don't know why, this book is a great
place to begin.