Question: I had an eating disorder growing up. Now that I have two young daughters, I want to do whatever I can to prevent that. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:
The reasons for eating disorders are complicated and complex, but there are some things parents can do to help prevent eating disorders in their children.
Permit Imperfection
Eating disorders have been linked to perfectionism. Hold your children to realistic standards, and allow them to make mistakes.
Reveal Secrets
Teach them how Hollywood photos are altered – for better and worse. Show them the ugly and distorted pictures in gossip magazines as well as the model-perfect images online. Allow them to play with photo editing software or apps such as Photowonder, FaceTune, and SkinnyCamera. Point out how easy it is to distort reality and how important it is not to compare themselves to something fake.
Watch Your Language
Be careful with what your children hear you say. Avoid using the s-word (skinny), d-word (diet), and the f-bomb (fat). The way you refer to yourself and others will affect the lens through which they see themselves.
Monitor Technology Use
Monitor which websites and apps they use. Pro-ana (pro-anorexia) sites and apps promote eating disorders by encouraging users to log body measurements, calories, and exercise, and compare their numbers with other people. They also provide “tips” to maintain eating disorder goals. These sites and apps are dangerous – don’t let your girls flirt with them.
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