Family Support

Helpful hints

From: Help for Eating Disorders – A Parent’s Guide (2005). D. K. Katzman & L. Pinhas, Robert Rose: Toronto

1. Recognise that eating disorders are complex.

2. Learn as much about eating disorders as possible.

3. Understand that young people with eating disorders come in all shapes, weights and sizes.

4. Keep in mind that the eating disorder is the illness, not the person.

5. Work with your children, as well as your children’s teachers, coaches, and counsellors, to prevent abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours.

6. Support your child in the process of assessing and treating the eating disorder.

7. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your other family members.

8. Be hopeful even though recovery can be a hard and long process.