- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Walking a Thin Line
Recognizing and Preventing Eating Disorders
By Carma Haley
Kimberly, a high school sophomore at Dale High School in Virginia, says, "You don't have a choice but to look 'good' anymore. All the heavy people are picked on or are made fun of. If you want to be popular, you have to be skinny."
What can be done to prevent both anorexia and bulimia? This question does not have a definitive answer because these disorders are not fully understood. It is not known why girls and boys of the same family can have varying opinions of themselves, as well as one having an eating disorder while others do not. Parents can help by setting a good example and teaching their children the importance of good nutrition. Being happy with your appearance, eating healthy, remaining active and refraining from placing unnecessary emphasis on weight will allow children to learn from their parents to have a healthy, realistic view of themselves and others.
If you suspect your child may have a problem regarding eating, consult a family physician. Ignoring the problem or thinking that it will go away on its own may only cause the child more medical complications.
Carrie is now 29, the mother of three and a registered nurse. Although she has had her eating disorder under control for some time, she says she fights with it almost daily. "It's still a problem," she says. "Whenever a situation in my life feels too big to handle, I want to eat a ton of ice cream, chips and chocolate. I will admit that when I see a beautiful, thin woman on television or in a magazine, I will remember what I used to look like 'then' compared to now. It is almost enough to shame me back into my rituals again. It's a battle every day not to do it. It's a tough battle, but right now, I'm winning."
