Eating disorders are on the rise. Many have the opinion this kind of disorder often is an expression of self esteem issues and these have to be addressed. However, creating a healthy attitude to food in your kids will help to prevent this type of disorder.

Eating disorders in kids

Being active is great. However, beware of sports that require them to stay at "ideal" weights such as figure skating, gymnastics, wrestling, ballet.and so on. Shape changes in the early teens might be in conflict with the image required for the sport.

Open your eyes to signs of eating disorders. Your kid may have a pronounced weight loss, start skipping meals, be obsessed with calorie counts, do excessive exercise, and indulge in binge eating.

Your positive self image will help discourage eating disorders. If you like yourself, no matter what shape, and you let them know you like them, whatever their shape, they will see themselves under other light. They will like themselves and there will be no self esteem issues.

One important thing is to teach them not to eat for emotional reasons, to find constructive outlets such as exercise or a hobby. A creatvie hobby where they can express themselves and they are good at is the best.

Contact your physician immediately if you suspect a disorder. Some symptoms and problems caused by the eating disorders are dehydration, malnutrition, hair loss, diabetes, muscle loss, tooth and gum decay, even death.

Beware of Internet use if you suspect a disorder, check their history to see what they are researching online. Know that anorexia, bulimia, binge eating are common disorders. many sufferers chat online and give tips to each other. Check software that provides parental controls to be able to see what they do online.

Monitor media from a young age to allow for more of a positive body image. Be sure they know humans come on all sorts of shapes and sizes and all are very valuable.

Eating disorders are the expression of low self esteem and unrealistic expectations about their body image. Raise their self esteem by having them join activities, sports, hobbies, even start a business.