For a parent it can be difficult to understand how their young son or daughter developed anorexia or bulimia or became obese. Most parents don’t typically intend to knowingly cause issues for your kids. But in working with teens with eating disorders and their parents it’s interesting to see how many times parents aren’t tuned in to the messages that are being given to their child.
Crying Wolf
Recovery from addictive behaviors is a process. For family members it can be hard to watch because they understand so little about what is happening. The easiest thing many of them do is assume the role of “the enforcer” or “the watchdog.” thinking that by doing this they are helping the person who is suffering from drugs, alcohol, gambling or even eating disorder behavior.
My Daughter Has an Eating Disorder and I Don’t Get It
The bombshell drops. Your precious little girl or boy has an eating disorder. For some parents they suspect and have to figure out how to confront their child. For others, they are blissfully unaware until their child confides in them. 85% of eating disorders start between the ages of 13-20.
