Eating disorders aren’t always easy to spot, especially when they are first developing. As children experience various stages of growth and development, natural fluctuations in weight, appetite, and eating habits can mask early signs of an eating disorder. Symptoms like stomach aches, fatigue, and mood changes can be misattributed to other causes. And routine medical check-ups aren’t always designed to screen for eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health issues can complicate identification.
So how can you tell if your child is struggling with balanced eating?
Here are a few ways.
Drastic Changes in Eating Habits: Pay attention if your child suddenly changes their eating habits, such as drastically reducing their food intake, becoming overly picky, or avoiding certain food groups altogether. These changes might indicate an unhealthy relationship with food, especially if they seem to be driven by concerns about weight or body image.
Preoccupation with Food and Weight: If your child frequently talks about dieting, weight loss, or expresses dissatisfaction with their body, this could be a red flag. An excessive focus on calories, fat content, and the desire to be thinner, especially in a child, can signal the development of an eating disorder.
Physical Symptoms: Noticeable physical changes such as significant weight loss or gain, changes in skin texture, hair thinning, or brittle nails can be indicative of an eating disorder. Additionally, complaints of feeling cold all the time, which can result from poor nutrition, are another potential warning sign.
Behavioral Changes: Increased secrecy around eating behaviors, such as avoiding meals with family, hiding food, or disappearing to the bathroom right after eating, may suggest disordered eating patterns. These behaviors often stem from a desire to hide eating habits or purge food that has been consumed.
Emotional Symptoms: If your child becomes more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn, it could be related to an eating disorder. Children struggling with these issues may avoid social interactions and family gatherings due to fear of being judged or forced to eat.
Exercise Habits: While regular exercise is healthy, excessive or compulsive exercising can be problematic. If your child prioritizes exercise over other activities, becomes distressed if unable to exercise, or exercises excessively to burn off calories, it may be a sign of an eating disorder.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed any of the signs with your child, early treatment has the ability to prevent these problems from damaging your child’s life. Treatment doesn’t start with judgment. Your child needs a safe place, away from expectations and pressures, to begin to face the root causes of their eating difficulties. And that’s why we’re here to help.
If any of this has connected with you, you’re more than welcome to come bring your child to sit by our fireplace and chat. We’d love to listen.
