As a parent or carer, it is important to remember that your loved one’s eating problems are not your fault.
It can feel like a very difficult subject to raise with your child. You might worry you will say the wrong thing, offend, upset them or make things worse. However, talking about the illness is often the first step to recovery and in the long term, your child will be grateful that you care and that you had the courage to discuss it.
There are many ways for you to support your child to help them. The video below provides some helpful information and a full guide for parents can be found here: Eating Disorders Guide – Parents and Carers (September 2021) The document does include some conversation starters which you may find helpful.
Support from Beat Eating Disorders
POD (peer-support & online development) is Beat’s online learning platform, designed to provide people supporting someone with an eating disorder with a space to learn, share experiences and find community. On the platform you’ll find a range of workshops, e-learning modules and forums that will help to equip you with the skills you need to support your loved one.
If you are supporting someone with eating problems or an eating disorder access POD here
My Body My Way provides advice for parents and carers about promoting a positive body image.
CARED Scotland – NHS is designed for parents and carers of young people (aged up to 25) in Scotland who have recently received a diagnosis of an eating disorder and are about to, or have just started, treatment.
There are links to a number of other resources here which you may also find helpful.
