NEDA Navigator Guidebook
Not for public distribution. For exclusive use by official NEDA Navigators
information. Click here: Parent Toolkit or paste this to your web browser:
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/parent-toolkit.php 3. Q: When my child is engaging in eating disorder behaviors, should I ignore them, get mad
at him or her and forbid certain things? What should our posture be as parents?
The child’s health is the #1 issue, so suggest the contact try to minimize hostility and
criticism. Separate the eating disorder from the child. It’s important not to focus on the food.
In the case of purging, (The definition of purging is to evacuate the contents of the stomach
or bowels by any of several means. In bulimia, purging is used to compensate for excessive
food intake. Methods of purging include vomiting, enemas and laxative abuse, insulin abuse,
fasting and excessive exercise.). These behaviors can be dangerous and lead to a serious
medical emergency or death. Purging by throwing up also can affect the teeth and
esophagus because of the acidity of purged contents. It is wise to intervene, as a parent,
when possible. Before doing so, suggest the contact read the two helpful chapters in the
Parent Toolkit “How to be Supportive” and “Ways to Start a Discussion With a Loved One.”
4. Q: How do I talk to my child about my concerns about their weight?
If the contacts are worried about their child’s eating behaviors or attitudes, it is important to
express their concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is also necessary to discuss worries
early on, rather than waiting until their child has endured many of the damaging physical
and emotional effects of eating disorders. Suggest they find a private and relaxed setting,
talk to their child in a calm and caring way about the specific things they have seen or felt
that have caused worry. After talking with their child, if they are still concerned with their
health and safety, find a trusted medical professional to talk to.
5. Q: How do I deal with my child when he/she is lying/talking back/resisting going to
treatment/yelling/refusing to go to school?
Parents can and should hold their children accountable for their negative behaviors. To help
parents learn to set appropriate limits, suggest they read Anorexia Nervosa: A Survival Guide
for Families, Friends and Sufferers by Janet Treasure PhD, FRCP, Psych.
6. My husband/wife and I have different approaches. He/she doesn’t think there is a
problem. I do. He/she wants to use discipline. I don’t. What do I do?
Parents need to be on the same page. Ask if the reluctant parent has ever come to a family
therapy session. The child needs to know that both parents are involved. Amplify the
message that these are serious illnesses.
7. Q: How can I find good books on eating disorders?
Visit the Gürze Books website: http://www.bulimia.com/index.cfm as a first step. Most books
on eating disorders can be found there. Talk to other people you know who have dealt with
eating disorders and get their recommendations too. You can also refer to the
Recommended Reading List provided on the NEDA Navigators Google Group.
8. Q: I don’t have anyone to talk to about all this. What do I do about that? A first step is
talking to a NN. Determine what kind of “talking” the contact is looking for: simple contact
with another person who can listen with compassion or professional help. You will be able
Frequently Asked Questions ▪ Page 2
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