How to help the young person

How to help

• Listen to the young person and give support.
• Make time away from food to enjoy each other’s company.
• Liaise with school about work. Home study should be appropriate and not a cause of distress.
• Be aware that unrealistic pressure on vulnerable young people can contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
• Setting realistic expectations and creating a balance between work and leisure can help to prevent the development of an eating disorder.
• Celebrate successes, even small successes, and accept the differences between siblings or friends.
• Avoid discussing your own anxieties about food or body shape with your son or daughter.
• Be aware of how young people use the internet. There are destructive websites available that can strongly influence the development and maintenance of eating disorders.

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

• Encourage a healthy eating pattern that includes three main meals each day. Snacks between meals can help prevent fatigue and aid concentration, so encourage eating some food at least every 3 hours if your child is not already doing so.
• If your child is finding it difficult to finish their meals, they may need support and encouragement
• It is important that young people eat breakfast before leaving for school and have time to eat lunch. Encourage a packed lunch if there are lunchtime activities that prevent eating the meal provided at school.
• Encourage the young person to drink at least 1.5 litres (3 pints) per day of any non-alcoholic fluid.
• A balance between school and recreation is important.
• Encourage exercise as part of a daily routine unless they are physically unwell.
• Make sure that young people have sufficient sleep.

Useful questions to ask your child

• Are you having problems at school that make it more difficult for you to eat?
• Are you worried about anything?
• Do you think that your worries are preventing you from seeing your friends?