Could a Parent’s Eating Disorder Affect their Child?

Could a parent who has an Eating Disorder affect their child? The answer it absolutely!

When it comes to Eating Disorders, we have to look at the development of them from a nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) perspective.

Let’s look at genetics for a second, if mental health issues run in your family, there is a greater likelihood of you developing mental health issues. When you walk into treatment for an Eating disorder (or any mental health disorder for that matter), the therapist will ask if there’s a history of it in your family. If your mother or father have an Eating disorder, purely from a genetics standpoint, you have a greater likelihood of developing it as well.
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Ok, now onto environment. Most children live with their parents, and as much as parents like to think they can hide things or behaviors from their children, they pick up a lot more than we’d like to think. If a parent is struggling with an Eating Disorder in the house, the child will pick up on the language the parent uses to desribe themself, will notice constant weigh-ins or see that mom is always eating salad.

Also, from an environmental standpoint, if a parent is struggling with an Eating disorder, 1 of 2 things tend to happen;

1. the parent will go so far to prevent their child from having the Eating disorder as well. Perhaps, the parent feels they can never say no to a child asking for any type of food, because they never want them to develop a restrictive mindset. This may lead to the child always eating candy and never eating anything more nutritious (for example). This may lead to its own set of issues. Or;
2. The parent pushing his/her own beliefs about food and body image on the child…which of course can set them up for issues later on, potentially (and likely) Eating Disorders.

A parent struggling with an Eating Disorder can certainly (and likely will) affect a child. I would suggest any parent or prospective parent really address their Eating Disorder as quickly as possible for the sake of their child if not for them. Check out this video guide to getting the proper help for an Eating Disorder.

I hope you found this post helpful! If you know anyone else who could benefit from reading this, please share with them. If you have any questions, concerns or requests for future posts, please leave a comment or message me privately.

I wish you wellness and understanding on your journey to finding your State of Balance!

Also, check out my Youtube Channel for more inspiration!

You may also like these posts:
Guide to Getting the Proper Help for an Eating Disorder
What to Say to Someone You Feel May be Struggling with an Eating Disorder
Misunderstandings of Eating Disorders