Supporting Your Child Through an Eating Disorder
As a parent, few things feel more overwhelming than watching your child struggle with their relationship to food and their body. Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common among children and teens, with research suggesting that more than one in five young people worldwide exhibit signs of disordered eating. These numbers are deeply concerning, and deeply personal when it’s your child. We are going to explore how to support your child through an eating disorder.
If your child has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, you may feel a whirlwind of emotions: fear, sadness, confusion, even guilt. Please know that you’re not alone, and more importantly, this is not your fault.
In our work as integrative and functional dietitians, we see eating disorders not just as issues of food, but as complex expressions of deeper imbalances: emotional, physical, social, and even spiritual. Healing isn’t about “fixing” your child, but gently guiding them back to a place of safety, nourishment, and self-trust.
There are steps you can take as a parent to support their recovery journey with compassion, steadiness, and hope. With a thoughtful, whole-person approach, we can work together to help your child reconnect to their inner wisdom, rebuild a nourishing relationship with food, and ultimately reclaim their well-being ~ body, mind, and spirit.
Understanding Eating Disorders
For many parents, receiving a diagnosis for their child after months – or even years – of worrying, watching, and wondering can come as a strange kind of relief. It gives a name to the pain they’ve witnessed and opens a door to support and healing. For others, the diagnosis may feel confusing or even hard to accept, especially if their child insists they’re “fine.”
But one of the most heartbreaking truths about eating disorders is that the person struggling often isn’t fully aware of how unwell they truly are. Many children and teens go to great lengths to conceal their symptoms, sometimes without even realizing they’re doing it. The disorder becomes a coping mechanism, a shield, and at times, a silent cry for help.
Body dysmorphia, a distorted perception of one’s appearance, is a common piece of the puzzle. A child may believe their body is much larger than it is, or become fixated on perceived flaws that no one else sees. This distorted lens can fuel deep feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-criticism, sometimes making simple daily tasks feel overwhelming or even impossible.
Our team of integrative and functional dietitians have walked alongside many families through this journey. Something we often remind parents is this: healing takes time, and insight often comes after the first steps toward recovery have already begun. It’s not uncommon for a child to only begin recognizing the severity of their illness once they’re safely on the path to healing. What matters most is that you don’t give up. Your steady presence, your willingness to seek support, and your deep love are powerful anchors. With compassionate, holistic care rooted in nourishment, nervous system regulation, and emotional support, recovery is absolutely possible.
Seeking Help for Your Child
One of the most courageous steps a parent can take is reaching out for support when they sense their child is in distress, even when that child may not yet recognize the need for help. Yes, it takes courage to support your child through an eating disorder. If your child is under 18 and struggling with an eating disorder, you do have the ability to advocate for their care, even if they aren’t ready or willing to seek it themselves. This can feel incredibly hard, especially if your child resists or minimizes their symptoms. But your gentle persistence and protection can be life-saving.
For young adults over 18, your role may shift, but your presence and support remain just as vital. Sometimes, offering to sit with them while they make a call or helping them schedule an initial appointment can ease the overwhelm. If they decline your help but say they’ll do it on their own, lovingly check in. Often, just knowing someone cares enough to follow up can make all the difference.
In more severe cases, when your child’s health or safety is at serious risk, it may be appropriate to explore legal guardianship options. This can allow you to continue making essential medical decisions if your child is unable to do so safely. Your child’s physician or pediatrician can help guide you through this process if it becomes necessary. No matter where you are in this journey, please know that seeking help is not a sign of failure. It is an act of love. There is no shame in asking for support. Eating disorders are complex, but healing is possible with compassionate, whole-person care. You are not alone, and neither is your child.
Treatment and Insurance Considerations
When your child is facing an eating disorder, choosing the right treatment path can feel overwhelming. Remember (again!)…you’re not alone in this process. The type of care your child receives will depend on both the diagnosis and the severity of their condition. Whether they are navigating anorexia nervosa, bulimia, ARFID, or another form of disordered eating, your steady presence and unconditional love will serve as a powerful grounding force throughout their healing journey.
While you focus on being a source of emotional support, it’s equally important to become an informed advocate when it comes to treatment logistics, especially with insurance. If your child is under 18, you’ll be responsible for managing their care and coordinating coverage. Unfortunately, insurance for eating disorder treatment can be complex and, at times, frustrating. Many plans don’t automatically cover the full range of services your child may need, especially higher levels of care like inpatient or residential programs.
Coverage may be denied for a variety of reasons, including:
- Your child’s weight not meeting a specific clinical threshold
- Lack of documented previous attempts at lower levels of care
- Perceived insufficient progress or engagement during treatment
- Absence of co-occurring medical or psychiatric diagnoses
- Missed appointments or inconsistent attendance
To help minimize surprises, take time to thoroughly review your insurance policy and connect with a representative to clarify what is (and isn’t) covered. Ask specifically about both in-network and out-of-network benefits, as well as any preauthorization requirements. Be sure to also consult with the billing team at any treatment center you’re considering to obtain cost estimates and better understand the financial commitment involved.
A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is not only vital for understanding the full scope of your child’s needs. It can also play a key role in accessing insurance benefits. Many eating disorders co-exist with conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, or social phobia. When shared with your insurance provider, these diagnoses may open additional avenues for coverage. Throughout this process, be sure to keep a clear and detailed record of all interactions with your insurance provider. Note the date and time of each call, the name and contact information of the person you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation. These records can be invaluable if you need to appeal a denial or clarify previous discussions.
Although this part of the journey may feel daunting, your advocacy matters. Taking these steps can help you to best support your child through an eating disorder. When combined with compassionate, integrative care, your persistence in securing the right support can make all the difference in your child’s recovery and long-term well-being.
Supporting Your Child at Home During Recovery
Bringing your child home after inpatient treatment, or walking with them through outpatient care, is a tender and critical part of the healing process. As a parent, your presence can create the safe and nourishing environment they need to continue progressing. Structure and consistency offer comfort during what is often a very uncertain time. Try to maintain steady routines, especially around meals and snacks. Sitting with your child as often as possible, without pressure or commentary, can provide a quiet sense of support that speaks louder than words.
It’s essential during this stage to avoid comments about your child’s body, weight, or eating habits, even if they’re meant to be encouraging. These remarks can easily be misinterpreted and may intensify feelings of shame or anxiety. Instead, focus on connection. Keep the lines of communication open, letting your child know that their thoughts and emotions are valid, and that you’re there to listen without judgment.
In our work as functional and integrative dietitians, we often guide families to gently shift the conversation away from appearance and toward meaningful motivation. Ask your child what healing allows them to look forward to: Is it traveling? Starting a career? Feeling strong enough to pursue a passion? These vision-based motivators can sustain your child more deeply than external affirmations.
It’s also helpful to prepare for the physical symptoms that can arise during recovery, like belly bloating, edema (swelling), fatigue, digestive discomfort, chills, insomnia, and even disorientation. These are not signs that something is going wrong, but signals that the body is adjusting and healing. Your empathy in these moments can be incredibly soothing. It is important to discuss what to expect with your child’s healthcare team so you know when to seek medical help.
Stay engaged with gentle curiosity. Ask open-ended questions, check in with love, and also remember to take care of your own emotional needs. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s okay to set healthy boundaries while showing up consistently.
There may be times when your child feels angry, withdrawn, or ashamed. This is normal. Rather than pushing, try to validate their experience:
- “You feel sad that you’re in this uncomfortable place right now.”
- “You feel scared about the changes happening in your body.”
After validating, you might gently reflect what you’re feeling using “I” statements:
- “I feel heartbroken that you’re going through this. I love you so much and want you to know I’m here.”
By sharing with honesty, compassion, and emotional grounding, you become a steady, healing force in your child’s recovery. You don’t have to have all the answers. Your love, patience, and willingness to walk beside them matter most in supporting your child through an eating disorder.
You Are Not Alone—And Recovery Is Possible
There will be moments during your child’s recovery that feel heavy…moments where their struggle is hard to witness, and where you may doubt whether you’re doing the right thing. But please hear this: your presence, your love, and your commitment to traveling alongside them matter more than you know.
Recovery is always possible with time, compassion, and a supportive care team. Therapists, dietitians, and medical providers each play a role in helping your child restore their relationship with food, body, and self. And with your steady encouragement, they don’t have to navigate it alone.
If your child is struggling with an eating disorder and you’re seeking gentle, personalized support through nutrition and nourishment, we invite you to book a free Complementary Wellness Call. Get the help you need to support your child through an eating disorder. Together, we can explore a path forward rooted in whole-person healing: body, mind, and spirit.
You’re doing a brave and beautiful thing by reaching out. We’re here when you’re ready.
Note: Whole Lifecycle Nutrition requires a release of information to coordinate care with all involved healthcare professionals when working with clients with diagnosed eating disorders. In most cases, we require the patient to additionally participate in behavioral health counseling with a licensed mental health provider.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as your physician, pediatrician, or a registered dietitian, before making any changes to your or your child’s diet, health routine, or treatment plan.
While we are a medical practice specializing in integrative and functional nutrition, the content shared here reflects general knowledge and holistic guidance, and may not be appropriate for every individual. Reliance on any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.
Resources
1.López-Gil JF, García-Hermoso A, Smith L, et al. Global Proportion of Disordered Eating in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis . JAMA Pediatr. 2023;177(4):363–372. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5848
2.“Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-2035
3. “Supporting a Child with an Eating Disorder in Uncertain Times.” The Emily Program, 31 Dec. 2020, www.emilyprogram.com/blog/supporting-a-child-with-an-eating-disorder-in-uncertain-times/
4. “Parent Toolkit.” National Eating Disorders Association, 27 Feb. 2015, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/parent-toolkit.
5. “Insurance & Legal Issues.” National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Feb. 2018, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/insurance.
6. Article by: Kathleen Smith. “Eating Disorders in Children: How to Help a Child with an Eating Disorder.” Psycom.net – Mental Health Treatment Resource Since 1996, 27 Aug. 2018, www.psycom.net/how-to-help-a-child-with-an-eating-disorder/.
7. Mahmoodi A, Bahrami B, Mehring C. Reciprocity of social influence. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):2474. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-04925-y
