How involved should I be in my child's recovery journey?
Watching your child go through an eating disorder is incredibly tough for any parent. It’s natural to have questions about how much to get involved and how best to support them. In our blog, we’ll share practical tips to help you cheer them on and offer effective support throughout their recovery journey. We’ll cover ways to keep communication open and understand the importance of setting boundaries—all aimed at making this challenging time a bit easier for both you and your child.
Why is parent support so crucial?
Parents play a vital role in their child’s recovery journey. Think about it: parents shape the environment their child grows up in. Even when kids spend a lot of time at school or with their medical team, parents need to bring new coping strategies and behaviors into family life. Being involved in your child’s recovery is crucial because your encouragement and support can make them feel supported and less alone.
How can parents support their child's recovery without being overbearing?
Go to Family Therapy
Family Based Therapy (FBT) invites families to be an essential part of the healing journey. By working together with professionals and your child, you’ll discover the specific support your child needs, which might differ from what you initially thought. This approach has been highly effective in treating eating disorders in children and teens. Everyone—parents, siblings, and the child—learns to understand and manage thoughts and behaviors around food and nutrition. Though it takes time and effort, the benefits for your child’s recovery are significant.
If you want more information about this, we suggest you read this blog: The Power of Family-Based Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment
Reflect on the messages you’re sending to your child
While it might seem like your eating habits only affect you, they can significantly shape your child’s relationship with food and their body. As a major role model in their life, your child observes and learns from you from a very young age. The way you talk about body image and food can influence their own perceptions. Many parents struggle with their own negative thoughts and feelings about food, but to truly support your child, it’s crucial to let go of these thoughts and diet culture ideas. Try to avoid complaining about your body or labeling foods as good or bad. This change will benefit both your child and yourself.
Set and Respect Boundaries
Setting and keeping family boundaries when there’s an eating disorder can be tough for parents. However, these boundaries are essential for your child’s recovery. It’s common for parents to try to get their kids to like these boundaries, but this rarely happens. No matter how they respond, these boundaries are there to keep them safe and secure. For example, you might need to limit certain activities if they aren’t following their meal plan. Some boundaries are also for parents, like avoiding diet culture talk or body shape discussions at home, and not hovering over your child during meals. If you need more guidance on setting and keeping boundaries specifically for your child, it’s important to talk to their healthcare team, such as their therapist and dietitian, to find the best ways to support them.
If Group support feels helpful you can look here for the openings in the next Parent support group. This group offers a place to gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate your child’s recovery journey. Connect with like-minded parents, and find hope.
