Family influence

Top 5 family influences on eating disorders

There are many things that can influence a child to become eating disordered. Some of these you may have more control of than others. It is important to realize the kinds of things that influence eating disordered behavior in children, so you can learn what it takes to prevent eating disorders before they happen. Here are some of the more common causes of eating disorders in children:

• Over-exposure to media images of excessively thin models, actresses or actors and role models.

• Excessive pressure to excel and exceed expectations.

• Over-emphases on physical appearance.

• Casual criticism of others appearance, particularly their physical appearance or weight.

• Dieting or restriction of certain foods, or excessive dieting from parents.

It is important to note that some children may more genetically susceptible to eating disorders than others. Children from families with a history of eating disorders or obesity for example may be more susceptible to eating disorders than those who are not.

 
Suggestions for a healthy family environment

There are many steps a family can take to ensure their children grow up in an environment of promoting positive self image:

• Encourage your children to engage in fun and interesting hobbies and activities, but avoid over-scheduling them.

• Avoid allowing children to watch too much television or read too many magazines or other media that focus on appearance and body image.

• Sit down together as a family to have meals.

• Foster an environment that promotes open communication and trust.

• Encourage your child to eat well, but not to diet.

• Encourage healthy forms of exercise and activity.

• Try not to be too diet focused or appearance centered.

• Avoid criticizing others physical appearance or pointing out flaws.

• Try not to engage your child in too many activities, which may prove stressful.

• Encourage your children to express themselves emotionally, through verbal communication, art, writing or any other form they take interest in.

Communication and trust

Remember that it is important in any family environment to talk about problems openly to encourage your children to communicate freely when they have a problem. This will help children maintain a stronger sense of self control and learn to communicate openly when they do have a problem, rather than turn to food as a mechanism for control.  A healthy home environment begins with trust and understanding. Children that learn early on to accept themselves for who they are and to communicate openly are more likely to avoid falling victim to eating disorders later in life.

Watch the media influences carefully

Remember also that the media plays a central role in the lives of many children and can lead or contribute to eating disorders. Whenever possible, simply encouraging your children to engage in activities other than TV watching will help them develop healthy behaviors and avoid focusing on physical appearance.

Allow for relaxation and downtime

You can also invite your children to engage in healthy and supportive relationships with other children their age. Try not to over-schedule your children however, and allow them some free time every day to explore their own interests and spend some time alone. All children need time to rest and reflect on their lives, much as adults do. This much needed down time will also contribute to a happy and positive family environment.