In our special on Infant Feeding we have already talked about eating disorders, referring more specifically to how to detect them. Today I would like to stop in the prevention of anorexia and bulimia from the family.
Marta Ampuero (from Fundadeps) told us in an interview that these disorders occur significantly during adolescence, although there are more and more preteen girls and boys in which there is an excessive concern for weight, and in which there is a tendency to follow the 'canons of beauty' that they perceive as taxes.
If you tell us that during the 1960s the prevalence was less than one percent, and now it is around four percent, we should worry. And it is that although overweight is the problem related to the most alarming diet (especially considering some figures that tell us about 30% of children between three and 12 years old); we must not forget the social burden that anorexia and bulimia carry, and the terrible consequences that they entail for health.
Do we have the last word families? I would say (and I am really sorry) that no, because after early childhood children begin to discover the world beyond their families and will gradually receive more influences from abroad. But nevertheless assume a decisive and active role in his education he makes a difference in the acquisition of knowledge, in the self-esteem of children, and in the formation of a critical spirit. And at least when the parents remain 'on the side' of the children and keep the communication channels open, it is easier to address the problems. I have consulted some sources that speak of the discontent of teenage boys and girls in relation to their weight: beyond the figures, it has caught my attention that with age, dissatisfaction in the case of girls increases. Although we already know that these types of disorders occur mostly in girls, although boys are not exempt from suffering them.
I would like to make a paragraph to remind you of our 'decalogue of healthy eating for children', and to assure you that the level of physical activity is decisive for maintaining health and weight. Physical exercise is also positioned as a prevention factor in the prevention of eating disorders.
But let's go back to families, and to prevention, and above all we trust again in our ability to relate to our children, to be present in their lives and to detect the problems they face. A father or mother cannot allow much time to pass from the appearance of changes in behavior or habits, or from the observation that the child is more moody, more worried, etc. And we are specialists in detecting these changes, what happens is that we are not always willing to act, and (what is more important) we do not always want to look at the problem 'in the face'.
What can we do to prevent eating disorders?
Parents should promote the self-acceptance and self-esteem in children. And is that low self-esteem is a risk factor in the appearance of anorexia or bulimia: the children should know that they can decide for themselves and have confidence in their abilities.
We will be watching the early manifestations of perfectionism; as well as children who develop early (and therefore may show signs of puberty in advance), and those who enjoy approaching risky behaviors in excess.
Convey the idea of a healthy body image: A healthy body helps us maintain and develop our functions better, this is a much more positive message than talking about thinness or fatness. At home, teasing towards people who (in the opinion of children) are overweight or 'less graceful' body proportions will be prohibited.
Allow the expression of feelings, ideas and emotions at home, without interfering with children's thoughts. This will allow us to quickly detect the appearance of problems. Take advantage of family communication spaces to listen to them and to work together to overcome difficulties.
From puberty a series of very large hormonal, psychological and affective changes in children. One of the aspects that is best for us to assimilate is that they wish to be accepted by their peers, and believe that their opinions must be seemed or must be agreed unconditionally. We as parents, and as people who love them most, will transmit our unconditional love and our acceptance towards their physical and way of being, what we seek with it is to give them security.
Eat as a family and implement a healthy diet at home. Avoid a rigid attitude towards meals, especially when it comes to portions, foods you don't like, etc. Without allowing for that use is usually made of foods loaded with fat and additive.
Encourage the practice of physical activities: it is not necessary to practice a sport if the children are not motivated, but together we will frequently perform activities such as walking, playing outdoors, bathing on the beach, etc. Exercise makes us feel good and it is an effective way to get (along with food) a healthy body.
How to act when the problem arises?
At the first signs that may be related to eating disorders, we will extreme an understanding and open attitude to dialogue. That way we could determine the real cause and show our support to the children.
When we have well-founded suspicions that our son has anorexia or bulimia, we will go to the pediatrician to guide us.
No one knows children better than us, and therefore no one is more qualified than us to do prevention in this matter. We just need to have the right information, know who to turn to, and trust our protective instinct.
