Parenting tips for helping your child with anorexia can be found in any bookstore that specializes in parenting or nutrition. Anorexia is one of the leading eating disorders that affect children today. Anorexia affects many young girls, but more commonly affects boys between the ages of twelve and seventeen. The disorder is generally believed to have its roots in a stressful environment and lack of proper nutrition. Other causes that have been identified as leading to anorexia are family dysfunction, early sexual activity, and a history of abuse.
Parenting tips for helping your child with eating disorders include making sure that they are not constantly around people who will make their condition worse. Parents should monitor their child's behavior and make note of times when they might exhibit warning signs. When making sure your child is eating properly, be sure to take them to see the doctor on a regular basis. Once a diagnosis has been made and treatment began, there are a number of things you can do to help your child.
You should always be encouraging. Do not let your child believe that they cannot do anything to fight this disorder. Your constant comments about how your child is doing are likely to push them away from you. Try to keep your child actively involved with all their activities so that they feel a strong connection with you and with their friends.
It is also important to remember that you are their parent, not their nurse or teacher. This is especially true during periods when they are ill or during school exams. Be patient with them and remember that they may need time to process everything that is happening to them. Also, encourage your child to talk to the school nurses and teachers if they need help, but do not try to force the issue if they are uncomfortable doing so.
Don't be afraid of talking about anorexia. While it may not seem like a topic that would cause you to discuss freely, it can be very serious to your child. Let them know that you are concerned and that you will do whatever it takes to help them. Also, let them know that you will support them in whatever treatment program they decide upon. You may even want to find out more about behavioral therapy as a way to address the issue.
It can also help to take your child out on dates regularly. Even though they may not be eating the foods you love, they are still teenagers and should be responsible for their own actions. Going out on dates with your child can be a very effective way of battling anorexia.
It is also important to stay in contact with friends and family members of your children who have been supportive as well. The support of friends and family can go a long way towards helping your child with anorexia. Also, try to keep in mind that most teens want to make new friends and join new activities. This is why it is crucial to keep your communication lines open with your child even if he or she does not show any signs of being an active anorexic.
Parenting tips for helping your child with anorexia focus on encouraging and supporting your child's efforts. You can do this by maintaining a positive attitude and treating your child with respect. It can also help to keep track of your child's progress through weekly journal entries. With this information in hand, you will be in a better position to determine when to intervene and what to do in terms of support and counseling.
