Forcing the child to eat, punish him because he doesn’t do what you tell him, to be upset?These attitudes certainly don’t help you understand and resolve what’s wrong with your children, many parents don’t know how to act when they suspect one of their children has so-called eating disorders. First of all, many prefer to ignore it, not believe it to happen. In fact, the role of parents in eating disorders is quite complicated.
They think that this kind of thing “doesn’t happen to their children,” “it’s impossible for them to suffer bulimia or anorexia. “This type of attitude is unwise when there is already a valid suspicion, because denial can delay diagnosis and complicate intervention. Nor should we blame them: fear is a normal emotion and influences everyone in one way or another. Just because they see the doctor late doesn’t mean they don’t want what’s best for their kids.
- On the other hand.
- Adolescence is a stage of life that can be quite complicated.
- The changes that young people go through can lead to internal and external conflicts.
- Mixing repeatedly and projecting that sense of nonsense and time so common in this age.
- Fights.
- Misunderstanding.
- Phrases like.
- Is this a teenager? and instability fatigue.
- As well as peer pressure in many cases.
- Lead to late diagnosis of many eating disorders.
The role of parents in eating disorders is quite complex. First, we have to accept the fact. Then practice strategies to help your children.
Are there several studies that have analyzed the influence of family dynamics?Not just the role of parents? In eating disorders. Salvador Minuchin, for example, in his publication “Psychosomatic Families: Anorexia Nervosa in Context” tried to find common patterns in families where at least one case of anorexia nervosa had been recorded.
The results highlight the predominant family dynamics, some of which were models of unsafe attachment, overprotection, rigidity, incommunicadoity and participation of children in family conflicts.
Similarly, another Selvini study, “Self-Hungry?” found that families with anoreachical daughters had the following characteristics:
These studies focused on cases of anorexia; however, who knows what information they put on the table could be applied to other types of disorders, such as bulimia. Thus, family dynamics and the role of parents in eating disorders are very important factors.
It would be a mistake to blame only the family for the eating disorders suffered by young people, although, as we have seen, family dynamics and the role of parents are very important, young people may also suffer from certain disorders. Eating disorders in a family where the above conditions do not exist.
Another risk factor, very common among young people, is low self-esteem. In addition, low self-esteem, especially when related to your body appearance, may be the most important factor in the development of the disorder.
“Since when has the pursuit of perfection become something that brings us so much suffering?”-Anonymous-
Disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder can cause teens to use food as a reward or punishment systemically; develop a diet that is very harmful to your body, based on alternate periods of bingeing and then strong restrictions.
The role of parents in eating disorders can be quite difficult, since adolescents tend to withdraw into themselves and not communicate, however, scolding, punishing them and not understanding what is happening to them can make the situation worse, for which is very important to know. How to act in these cases.
Parents can be a great support for any young person who is going through an eating disorder, although they can also be the drag that complicates the situation if they do not act properly. your children’s behavior patterns are best, so they are the closest to detecting any changes that occur, in this case specifically, in the diet. One way or another, in case of doubt, it is best to look for a professional.
After the evaluation and diagnosis, if we are faced with an eating disorder, feelings of frustration and helplessness are normal. Parents may feel that they are not seeing great progress, that they are too slow, or that there are even setbacks. They may even blame their child, not realizing that he is probably the one going through the worst.
On the other hand, it is not uncommon for parents to consistently support rejection and outrage, as often their child is not receptive to the measures taken for their own well-being, hence the importance not only of dealing with the professional, but also of explaining to him; Avoid being tempted to treat someone like a child when they are no longer.
It is of the utmost importance that parents stay together, support and express their emotions, it is also important that they follow the guidelines set by the professional or change their professional if they do not trust them. In any case, it is forbidden To try to get out of the situation independently, because in most cases, parents do not have the knowledge or resources to do so, even if they do not lack will and good intentions.
Another important guideline for parents who need to help a child with an eating disorder is not to make this problem the focal point of family life. It’s important, but it’s not everything. The young man who has the problem is much more than the problem itself, is someone with dreams, hopes, feelings?Rest of life? It’s often the push to get out of this situation.
Nor is there a contrary position in the guidelines for parents, when the young person does not meet any of the objectives a dialogue must be opened and the situation must be put to an end so that it does not happen again. must be corrective, but also motivating. The goals are twofold: involve the teen and get him out of this conversation motivated enough to achieve the goals. We can’t let him give up. There is no such option.
As we have seen, the role of parents in eating disorders is of great importance, they are like the cornerstone of their child’s future and are forced, by the complicated goal ahead, to seek the help of a professional. , and if suspicions are confirmed, for an intervention. Even with the help of a professional, it is a long process that requires both patience and intelligence, love and willpower. Having said that, we wish these people to go through these difficult times a great deal of strength and courage to deal with this situation.