If you are a parent of a teen, then you may be worried about their diet as about three percent of all teens have some form of eating disorder. While some have minor issues where they become obsessed about nutrition, others may resort to anorexia or bulimia. If you are having concerns regarding this issue and your son or daughter, here are some things that you can do to help.
Get Informed
Eating disorders are very real, and they affect approximately 30 million people in America. Research suggests that eating disorders tend to run in families. Most teens who have an eating disorder have at least one family member with a mental health condition. These disorders often start with a deliberate attempt to diet.
Talk to the Teen
While it can be very rough not to come across as judgmental, seek a quiet place away from distractions to talk to your teen. Many teens are scared to admit that they have a problem handling food and need help. Ally with the part of your child who wants to get better. Help them seek treatment, like that available from Reasons Eating Disorder Center. Many teens who have eating disorders also have other mental health issues, but be careful not to make the sickness the sole focus of your relationship.
Set a Healthy Role Model
While it can be difficult to realize some days, teens still look up to you as a role model. Make sure that you are modeling good eating habits in front of them. Fill 50 percent of your plate with fruits and vegetables, eat a lean protein regularly, incorporate dairy into your diet and dine on whole-wheat bread. Let your teen see you exercising regularly. Additionally, let them see you focusing on things besides food—like building up their self-esteem and the self-esteem of other family members. Talk with them regularly about other activities that they are involved in. Let them know that you unconditionally love them.
Take Legal Action
If the eating disorder is severe, then you need to be prepared to take legal action. You are your child’s guardian, and it is your responsibility to see that they receive proper treatment. You can often have a person placed in a treatment facility on a 72-hour hold while they receive further evaluation. Often, discussing legal ramifications with your teen is enough to get them to admit that they need help. This may be one of those tough times in life when your teen needs you to be their parent and not their friend before they become part of the three percent.
Every 62 minutes, a person dies of an eating disorder. This is why it’s important to take action before it is too late and use these ideas to get help for your teen.
