Parents play a huge rule in the confidence and self-image of their children. That is because, oftentimes, children grow up looking up to their parents as role models. Children and teenagers often care about their parents’ advice and subconsciously mimic their parents’ actions or words. Because of such behavior, parents heavily influence the way their children form a relationship with food and their bodies. Research has found that children, teenagers, and even adults who have an eating disorder are majorly affected by what their parents say to them about their eating habits and bodies. So, even if parents mean no harm, they can substantially impact the development of an eating disorder.
5 Ways Parents Influence the Risk of Developing an Eating Disorder
- Using Weight Gain or Weight Loss as an Insult
Parents often have the tendency to comment on the weight changes of their child without thinking much of it. Most of the time, if their child gains weight or loses weight growing up, they will comment about it almost always negatively. Such remarks might seem like harmless advice; however, they will quickly resonate with your child, and, over time, it will cause them to start unhealthily obsessing over their bodies and weight.
- Labelling Food
Most parents have the habit of labelling food as either “good” or “bad”. They teach their children that fried and sugary foods are “bad”, while foods such as vegetables and fruits are “good”. While it is true that processed junk food is unhealthy and fresh produce is a better alternative, labelling food is unnecessary. Instead, teach your children that some foods can be enjoyed in moderation so that it does not harm their health and allow them to focus on the benefits of healthier foods.
- Promising Rewards After Weight Gain or Loss
Most of the time, parents think that promising their children certain gifts if they alter their bodies is a way of motivation; however, it is actually really harmful. Children will start to associate their right to certain possessions in life only if they attain certain body goals. They will downsize their self-worth solely to how their body looks, and, in consequence, they put themselves at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
- Commenting on How Much Your Child is Eating During Meals
During family lunch or dinner, parents almost always watch what or how their children are eating. Moreover, they almost always comment about it. If their child is eating small amounts, they will scold them. If their child is eating more often than usual, they will also have something to say. Portion fluctuation as a child is growing up is normal, and, for that, it is not okay when a parent comments about it. Children will take such remarks to heart and will start to obsessively watch what and how they eat in front of their family.
- Telling Children When and What to Eat
As mentioned previously, parents often label food, and based on that, they guide their children on what to eat and what not to eat. On top of that, parents also patrol their children on when to eat. For example, some parents put a timing on when their children should stop eating for the day – they close the kitchen door at 8 or 9 PM and prevent their children from accessing it until the next morning. Some parents also tend to hide certain foods away from their children to prevent them from eating “bad” foods. Even though some parents might think that this is an efficient way of keeping their children fit, this behavior is actually really harmful and also adds to the risk of their kids developing an eating disorder.
In conclusion, parents play a major role in how their children perceive food and how they develop a relationship with the food they eat. For that, parents must think twice about their behavior when it comes to this matter, otherwise they could be leading their children to a way bigger problem than they have anticipated.