1. Special Report on Talking with Kids About Eating Disorders [return to top]

Last month's news that teen actress and pop icon Mary-Kate Olsen had entered a residential program for treatment of anorexia quickly hit the front pages. While the media's coverage of eating disorders has generally improved over the last decade, unrealistic body images are everywhere and the pressures to be thin are very great--especially for girls.

Between five and 10 million Americans have eating disorders. They are more prevalent in teenagers and young adults and occur more commonly in girls, though boys also suffer from these illnesses. An estimated one percent of American teens suffer from some form of eating disorder.

Anorexia and bulimia are the most common types of eating disorders. Anorexia is characterized by a fear of becoming fat and an unrealistic body image, which lead a person to restrict the amount of food they eat, sometimes severely. Bulimia is characterized by bingeing and purging--eating excessive amounts of food and then forcing vomiting. All eating disorders involve preoccupations with weight and food, but they are often rooted in other issues. Studies have found that people with eating disorders often control their food to compensate for aspects of their life which feel out of their control. They may suffer from low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, troubled family or personal relationships, or a history of being teased because of their weight. Studies also have shown that eating disorders tend to run in families.

As parents, it's important to teach our daughters and sons positive and healthy attitudes toward their bodies. It's perfectly okay to begin this type of discussion ourselves. Coverage of celebrity eating issues offer an opportunity to ask your child what he or she thinks. Magazine images give you a chance to talk about how healthy, fit bodies don't all look the same. You may be surprised at how simple comments or questions could help start a valuable discussion.

Of course, if you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, parents should communicate their concerns without judgment and without oversimplifying the issue. Express your support and seek professional treatment--although in most cases eating disorders are curable, they are complicated and very serious. Your child's doctor should be able to help.

For more information about eating disorders, visit:
Nemours Foundation's KidsHealth
* http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/problems/eat_disorder.html

National Eating Disorders Association
* http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Download your FREE Talking with Kids parent booklet at:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/booklet.html

"Talking with Kids About Tough Issues" cannot answer individual requests. We encourage you to visit our links page for further information on organizations that may be able to address your specific questions.

2. Tip of the Month: Create an Open Environment [return to top]

Kids want their parents to discuss difficult subjects with them. They look to their parents for answers, but only if they feel they are open to their questions. So it's up to parents to create the kind of atmosphere in which their kids can ask any question--on any subject--freely and without fear of consequence. By being encouraging and supportive, parents can send the message that they care and will be there whenever their children need them.

For more tips on other Talking with Kids topics, visit:
* http://www.talkingwithkids.org/first.html

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