I Am Starting to Worry About My Child's Eating- What Do I Do?

A child’s relationship with food can have a significant impact on their physical health and emotional wellbeing. A child's eating habits are important as unhealthy habits can lead to severe eating disorders in early teen years and adolescence. If you have noticed a change in your child’s eating habits, it is possible that there is an emotional explanation for their behaviour. Here are some factors that could be contributing to distress around food for your child:

1. Anxiety: Children may feel anxious about trying new foods, especially if they have had negative experiences with certain foods in the past. They may worry about whether the food will taste good, or whether they will be able to eat it without choking or getting sick.
2. Guilt: Children may feel guilty about eating certain foods, especially if they have been taught that certain foods are "bad" or "unhealthy". They may feel like they are doing something wrong by enjoying foods that are not considered "healthy".
3. Shame: Children who struggle with their weight or body image may feel shame around food, especially if they feel like they are not able to control their eating habits. They may feel like they are being judged or criticized for their food choices.
4. Excitement: Children may feel excited about certain foods, especially if they are foods that they really enjoy. They may look forward to special treats or meals, and feel happy and excited when they get to eat them.
5. Frustration: Children may feel frustrated if they are not able to eat the foods that they want, either because of dietary restrictions or because the food is not available. They may feel like they are being denied something that they really want, and may express their frustration through tantrums or other difficult behaviours.

Encourage your child to talk about their emotions, and provide support and guidance as needed. By creating a safe and supportive environment around food, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food and their emotions.

When to seek help from a professional:

It can be difficult to know when to seek professional help for your child's eating emotions, as every child is different and may have different needs. However, here are some signs that may indicate that it's time to seek help from a professional:
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• Extreme or persistent food avoidance: If your child is avoiding entire food groups or refusing to eat most foods, or if their avoidance is persistent over time, it may be a sign of an eating disorder or other underlying issue.
• Unhealthy weight loss or gain: If your child is losing or gaining weight rapidly, or if they are significantly underweight or overweight, it may be a sign of an underlying medical or psychological issue.
• Obsessive or compulsive behaviour around food: If your child is engaging in obsessive or compulsive behaviours around food, such as counting calories or weighing themselves multiple times a day, it may be a sign of an eating disorder or other underlying issue.
• Extreme changes in mood or behaviour: If your child is experiencing mood swings, irritability, or depression in relation to their eating habits, it may be a sign of an underlying psychological issue.
• Difficulty with social situations involving food: If your child is avoiding social situations that involve food, or is experiencing anxiety or distress around food-related social situations, it may be a sign of an underlying psychological issue.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it may be helpful to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you identify the underlying issues that may be contributing to your child's eating emotions, and provide guidance and support for helping your child develop a healthier relationship with food and their emotions.

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