To be honest, I never imagined I’d have to talk to my child about body image and eating disorders at such a young age. I was considering having that conversation with her when she is in high school, during her teenage years. However, my plan had to be changed when my 9-year-old daughter began asking me if she was fat or not, refusing to eat to be skinny, and being concerned about having a flat tummy!
She even told me that her schoolgirls have started talking about being fat and wanting to go on a diet. Seriously, at the age of 9?! My heart sank for these children. They’re not supposed to be self-conscious like that at that age. 🙁
Nonetheless, I realise that the world in which our young ones are growing up is not the same as it was when I was their age. So, whether I’m ready or not is never a question in this case; rather, it’s more about whether my daughter is ready to accept and process what I’ll be explaining to her.
Since she was already talking about being skinny and all, I knew it was time to tell her that there is a healthy way to go about it. I also believe that now is the right time to discuss eating disorders, which can be harmful to her body.
What Are Eating Disorders in Children?
According to American Psychiatric Association, “eating disorders are behavioural conditions characterised by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviours and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function.”
In children and teens, eating disorders can result in significant changes in eating habits, which can lead to serious, even life-threatening health problems. Thus, when discussing this sensitive topic with children, it is critical to exercise extreme caution and educate oneself first.
I’ve done a lot of reading to see what’s good to say and what isn’t. What are the things that should be urged for my kid to understand the dangers of an eating disorder? I believe it is important for all parents to recognise that this issue can affect our children of any age or gender.
Let’s start with the most common types of eating disorders in children you should be aware of:
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID) is a common eating disorder in young children characterised by a lack of interest in food or a sensory aversion to specific foods. For example, a child may suddenly dislike the foods that they used to enjoy or be afraid to eat certain foods. These aversions and restrictions in young children can result in weight loss and nutritional deficiency.
- Pica is a condition in which a child eats non-food or non-nutritional things regularly. It is identified when a child’s behaviour deviates from his or her expected developmental level a type of condition where a child might eat non-food or non-nutritional substances persistently. Some of the common items eaten are dirt, clay, paint, chalk, soap, and hair.
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a condition in which children believe they are overweight when they look very underweight in the eyes of others. Children may become obsessed with their food intake and weight control. They may also engage in strenuous exercise or binge and then purge to avoid gaining weight. Anorexia can have serious consequences for a child’s physical health and growth, so it is critical to seek treatment as soon as possible.
- Bulimia nervosa (BN) is characterised by frequent and uncontrollable episodes of overeating followed by purging methods (i.e., throwing up). It will be difficult for children with BN to halt or prevent bingeing episodes, and they may maintain a normal or above-normal body weight. That is what distinguishes BN from binge-purge AN.
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is a condition in which children experience frequent overeating. They usually eat when they are not hungry and then feel disgusted by it. Sufferers do not purge after bingeing episodes, but they will usually engage in sporadic and repetitive diets.
Important for Kids to Love Themselves
It is worrying to read about all of the cases involving eating disorders. All I want is to protect my daughter and see her happy and healthy. That is why I have decided not to wait until the problem occurs before discussing eating disorders. I want my daughter to understand that an eating disorder is extremely dangerous and that there is a proper way to care for her body.
Children must understand that bodies come in a variety of sizes and shapes and that no one size is superior to another. Nothing improves your children’s self-esteem more than knowing they are valued and appreciated. So, make them feel important day by day.
Never ridicule them, especially their body and appearance. If they become self-conscious about their bodies, it could be the first step toward an eating disorder. Teach children that eating isn’t the only thing that affects their bodies. They can exercise and stay positive by not stressing out, which will affect how they feel about themselves and everything else.
Don’t Repeat My Eating Disorders Mistake
I regret admitting that when I was younger, I did what I thought was right to lose weight, but I had no idea they were eating disorders until I learned about it in college. Something I don’t wish to happen to anyone, especially not young children.
Anyone, boy or girl, can face discrimination because of body weight, and the pressure to fit in and not feel humiliated will force oneself to do just about anything, even if it means hurting themselves in the long run.
Early detection and prevention of eating disorders in children under the age of 12 are crucial. Here, we take a closer look at the early warning signs listed by PSYCOM.
- fear of stomach aches
- aversion to tastes or textures
- tantrums
- excessive bowel movements
- worry about body image
Signs of a more developed eating disorder can include:
- refraining from eating
- reducing food portions
- weight loss
- lack of growth
- thinning of hair
- delay of puberty
- constipation or digestion problems
- hiding or hoarding food
- mood swings
- fine hair growth on the body
Final Words
If you suspect or know that your children are having problems with their bodies, keep an eye out for those signs in them. Once they have this behavioural issue, it is difficult to cure. It’s better and advisable if children can be prevented from going down that path.
However, if your children are already suffering from an eating disorder or you suspect that they are on the verge of developing one, I have found a very useful guide for you to read. Hopefully, it will assist you and your kids as they go through the process of recovering from eating disorders. Don’t worry, my fellow mummies, you’ve got this!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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