My 5 year old daughter suddenly refused to wear a 2 piece bathing suit this summer. When I asked her why, she said she did not want to talk about it. Later on I asked her again about it and she finally told me it was because people will laugh at her and her "big belly". She has also asked me if the multivitamins I give her and her younger brother daily will make her skinny. She is 50% in weight and 60% in height .... My husband and I constantly positively reinforce our children. They both went to daycare and now preschool. Any advice would mean a lot.
Lisaof CT2:04PM August 20, 2012
please print me girlfriend needs it thanks
Joshua Garciaof FL8:49PM May 21, 2012
this article is right on.. except for the part about drowning food in ketchup. i wouldn't drown food in ketchup, because it was 'so calorific'. but i couldn't live without mustard... i'd probably finish a jar every 3 days. gosh, now i shudder just when i think of it.
paula2:37PM March 03, 2012
A step that should be taken next with this issue is increased public awareness of eating disorders. I believe that it’s important that healthy eating habits be promoted throughout the media and in classrooms. Children at an early age should be taught the value of having a positive self-image and should learn to like the parts of them that are considered “unattractive” by the mass public. With increased public awareness, the hope is that more research will be done on the cause of eating disorders which will hopefully paint a picture of what it’s like to live with a mental illness.
Adekoyaof WA5:09AM November 29, 2011
A step that should be taken next with this issue is increased public awareness of eating disorders. I believe that it’s important that healthy eating habits be promoted throughout the media and in classrooms. Children at an early age should be taught the value of having a positive self-image and should learn to like the parts of them that are considered “unattractive” by the mass public. With increased public awareness, the hope is that more research will be done on the cause of eating disorders which will hopefully paint a picture of what it’s like to live with a mental illness.
Adekoyaof WA5:08AM November 29, 2011
Did you even consider children of an already unhealthy weight when writing this? Your article made it seem like only normal weight children can go through eating disorders. And what about those children who are overweight, who diet on the extreme side without their parents knowing? It's even easier for a child who's gotten their parent's permission to diet or change their eating or exercise habits to hide the reality that they've become anorexic, bulimic, exercise obsessed, or a combination. You may think noticing a child isn't eating at all or a child throwing up after eating a normal meal would be hard to miss but it's incredible how many parents miss it and how easily it is for children to find ways of hiding it. By the way, don't pretend your child isn't fat if they are or avoid any discussion about weight with them even if they aren't. Children don't know how to be healthy or even really know what healthy is. Explain that to your child and be a parent, make your kids eat right and exercise regularly so they don't ever need to worry about losing weight or eating less. If they want to get in better shape for a sport, they probably don't know how to do that. Do some research and find a safe exercise plan for them to help them reach their goals and treat it like homework.
Miriamof WA11:13AM February 08, 2011
While checking out a book review of Harriet Brown's book. I'm right at the point where I think I should intervene with my daughter. Reading your list of 5 signs, I realize that I've already waited too long. Thanks.
Shiela Z.of FL10:04AM September 18, 2010
As a school nurse, I've already forwarded this to many of my colleagues. Thanks for giving us another tool to educate parents and students about the importance of seeking early treatment.
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Lisa of CT 2:04PM August 20, 2012
Joshua Garcia of FL 8:49PM May 21, 2012
paula 2:37PM March 03, 2012
Adekoya of WA 5:09AM November 29, 2011
Adekoya of WA 5:08AM November 29, 2011
Miriam of WA 11:13AM February 08, 2011
Shiela Z. of FL 10:04AM September 18, 2010
linda of NY 10:26AM September 17, 2010