How Should Parents Prevent Pediatric Eating Disorders?

How Should Parents Prevent Pediatric Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders have been a persistent concern for many infants and young children. The majority of affected children are girls, and their bodies appear thinner compared to their peers, becoming severely malnourished in serious cases. Childhood eating disorders can extend into adolescence and impact a child's normal growth and development.

Parents play a significant role in shaping their child's physique through a scientific lifestyle. However, many parents excessively focus on their own body shape and weight, leading to an increasing number of cases of children with anorexia nervosa. A study has shown that children of mothers with anorexia nervosa tend to be more introverted and exhibit feelings of sadness and eating disorders by the age of 5. Conversely, knowledgeable parents who communicate effectively with their children and understand the developmental stages of their child can take various measures, even when facing genetic and environmental susceptibility, to prevent eating disorders in their children.

What can parents do to prevent pediatric eating disorders?

Firstly, parents should have their child examined by a doctor to rule out any internal and psychological illnesses. They should foster a healthy eating lifestyle and involve the child in it. Parents should provide their children with beneficial and nutritious food, arrange a well-balanced meal plan for three meals a day, and always ensure the child eats together with the family, avoiding any skipped meals. At the same time, parents can positively influence their children's eating habits through their own good eating practices, inspiring their children through imitation.

The guidelines for feeding include regular main meals and snacks with a 3-4 hour interval between meals. Only water should be offered between meals. During meals, a small portion of food can be placed in the child's plate initially to fulfill their request for repeat servings until they are full. Parents should avoid praising or criticizing the child based on the amount of food they consume. The child should be required to sit at the table until the meal is finished, together with the parents. Distractions during meals should be eliminated.

Currently, many young people often eat out in restaurants. Sometimes, uneaten food on the table is packed and taken home, and leftovers at home are not thrown away. However, these dishes often contain spices with antibacterial properties that can inhibit intestinal bacteria and be harmful to the body, which should not be given to children.

When feeding children, avoid adding fried, roasted, or baked snacks (e.g., processed foods added to porridge). The child should not be given complementary foods before the main meal. For children aged 2 to 3 years, do not engage in conflicts with them during meals to avoid making the child cry and refuse to eat due to emotional disturbances. Children should not be overfed during dinner. An example is a 3-year-old child who ate 12 fish balls (about 100 grams) for dinner and ate 100 grams of peaches after dinner, leading to restless sleep and frequent awakenings. Parents with this knowledge can predict and prevent such situations.

When a child is ill, their diet should be adjusted accordingly. When a child is emotionally unwell, encourage them to freely express their feelings, alleviate anxiety through verbal communication, and prevent it from affecting the child's appetite.

Physical activity can stimulate a child's appetite, but it's important to remember that excess can lead to the opposite effect. Do not allow children to participate in excessive sports or dance activities. Parents should also avoid relying on medication to stimulate the child's appetite as much as possible.