You try on that new dress you just bought and look in the mirror. The slightest - almost nonexistent - bulge is apparent around your waist. "This makes me look fat," you say absently to your 10-year-old daughter, who is sitting on your bed. You pull off the dress and put it back in the bag. But wait. Do you stop and think about the message you're sending?
Don't be surprised if your daughter then decides she needs to go on a diet. Is it an eating disorder in the making? Should you worry?
Maybe. Eating disorders are developing at younger ages. Children as young as 7 are showing early signs that could lead to an eating disorder.
Kids this young constantly get messages that the foods we enjoy must be bad for us. Kids see things in black and white. A food is either "good" or "bad."
Your child might not be able to explain why she thinks she needs to diet or not eat certain foods. Classic signs of an eating disorder aren't always present. A child doesn't have to obsess about numbers on a scale or imagine he's fat when he looks in the mirror to have an eating disorder.
The "thin is in" message
Doctors, registered dietitians and other health care professionals report seeing more kids at younger ages coming for help with eating disorders.
One problem is that children learn from TV and magazines that certain body types are seen as "acceptable." It's hard to avoid the messages that tell them being thin is important.
This doesn't mean that all kids who are on diets are heading for an eating disorder. But if your child announces he or she is on a diet, you should be concerned. You want your child to have a healthy sense of self, a balanced approach to food and a good body image for a lifetime of good health.
Parents' roles in prevention
These tips can help you prevent your child from developing an eating disorder:
- Be a good role model, especially when it comes to eating and exercise. Your children are watching you closely. Saying things like "I can't eat that because it will make me fat" can have a major impact on how your children see food. Teach them that certain foods may be healthier than others, but a well-rounded diet doesn't have to exclude "goodies."
- Don't emphasize beauty and thinness. You may not intend this, but you could be signaling that looks outweigh intelligence and personality. Don't convey an attitude that says, "I'll love you more if you lose weight."
- Do whatever you can to promote self-esteem and self-respect in your child. Praise intellectual, athletic and social accomplishments.
- Encourage healthy eating instead of focusing on weight loss.
- Stress the fun of being involved in activity. Show your kids that staying active is more enjoyable and rewarding than sitting in front of the TV.
- Talk to children about the unrealistic portrayals they see in movies and other media. Explain that people come in all shapes and sizes and that most people do not look like models.
- Make sure kids aren't avoiding activities just because they might draw attention to their weight, such as swimming, dancing, etc.
Help your child avoid an eating disorder by fostering self-esteem and approaching the subjects of food and exercise in a positive way.
