Faith Filled Family Magazine November 2016 | Page 74

cise, and counseling. She lost
over 100 pounds. Although she
slipped back into past behaviors,
she re-entered the program to
get back on track. She has not
returned to her former lifestyle
since. Her friends, family, and
church gave her the encouraging support she needed to succeed.

should be in their families’ eyes,
as well.

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. If you believe your child has
an eating disorder, approach
your son or daughter with loving
concern privately. Avoid shame
or coercion.

low them to make reasonable
choices. Making suggestions or
offering limited choices may help
you guide their decisions. Ask
family members to cooperate
with you in how they respond to
your troubled teen.

Should you lack confidence
about how to talk with your son
or daughter, discuss your conThe mindset behind faulty thinkcern with the school guidance
ing and body image distortion recounselor, youth pastor, or a liquires counseling and, in some
censed clinical counselor. There
cases, psychiatric care. Total
are also help lines available to
transformation is much more eflisten to you or your child, give
fective through the power of the
advice, and point you to approWord of God (Romans 12:2).
. Be prepared for rejection priate resources in Canada the
The person will also need to
of your concerns. They may NEDIC at 1-866-633-4220 or Towork with a medical team to help not be willing to see or have the ronto 416-340-4156. In the U.S,
them stop the damage they are understanding to recognize the NEDA 1-800-931-2237. A numcausing to their bodies in con- danger their behavior causes.
ber of treatment centers specialjunction with nutritional counselize in eating disorder recovery.
ing. People suffering from eating
. Weight issues are best addisorders need the loving supdressed at the doctor’s office ADULT FRIENDS AND
port of family, friends, and the by the doctor in a professional FAMILY MEMBERS
church to walk alongside them manner. Medical staff are trained
through this journey to healing.
to sensitively handle weight is- Adults have an independent
sues with minors. Let the doctor nature. Adult friends and famDifficulty comes when confront- bring up the subject, but be will- ily are more likely to brush off
ing them. Forceful attitudes or ing to speak up regarding health concerns or become defensive;
overly helpful intentions will concerns from their behavior.
however, pointing out the truth
cause him or her to retreat deepin love is very helpful in bringer into harmful habits. The per. Ask your teen to check out ing their attention to the harm
son you care about needs you
what you are sharing with they are inflicting on themselves
to reach out to them. Here are them by reading information on (Ephesians 4:15). Confronting
several helpful tips:
eating disorders from reputable someone with eating disorders
resources.
takes prayerful, careful thought.
For Parents with Teens
Here are some ways you can ex. Set boundaries for appropri- tend your concern with a friend
Teens are subjected to a lot of
ate behavior in your home, as or family member:
scrutiny about their developing this is an addiction. Set clear conbodies from their peers, teach- sequences and follow through.
. Ask them if you could speak
ers, family members, and other (NEDA- Parent Tool Kit )
with him or her privately. It
adults they engage with. Their
should be a comfortable space
hormones are in turmoil, caus- You can help them to feel safe at where they won’t feel threatened
ing a lot of mood swings, too. home in a few simple ways. In- and private.
Teens need a safe environment stead of insisting they eat someat home, one that supports and thing they find repulsive, offer
. Respectfully, state the obencourages them. Each one is healthy foods and opportunities
vious without judgment. Use
beautiful in God’s eyes. They for physical activity at home. Al- “I” messages instead of sound-

2

. Set a time to discuss your
concerns with your teen in
a firm, respectful manner and
in a place he or she would feel
safe. Focus on the behavior and
the damage concerns, not the
weight.

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