Kids are facing increasing pressure to assume responsibility for their health at a very young age. Many well-meaning education programs teach kids that there are good and bad foods and that large bodies mean unhealthy bodies. These principles reinforce a cultural message of restriction, self-deprecation and inadequacy. These messages rob our kids of confidence and become breeding grounds for anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
I have a lot of compassion for parents confronted with worry about their child's size, shape, health and eating habits. And no matter the issue (too small, too big, doesn't eat enough, eats too much, etc.), the most reliable resource I have found is Ellyn Satter's Division of Responsibility of Feeding:
1. Parents decide what, when and where food is offered
2. Kids decide how much to eat, if at all
Sounds crazy, right? It kind of is. At the very least, it is counter-cultural and requires commitment. It also demands that we set aside or challenge some of our beliefs about size, shape, health and beauty. If you want to learn more about this method, I recommend Your Child's Weight: Helping Without Harming by Ellyn Satter, MS, RD, LCSW, BCD.
And, of course, the dietitians at Ramey Nutrition are ready and eager to support your efforts!
I love this! Its challenging to look back and see how my parents approach to feeding me affected me so much. Learning to eat on my own constantly challenges me but with help from Ramey I see daily improvements.
ReplyDeleteFrom a 24 year old daughter with an eating disorder to all parents, please check this out and be mindful of how your actions now are lessons your children will take with them into adulthood.