If your teen has been struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, the back-to-school time of year may come with some anxieties and changes that are often best addressed together. Here are some tips and things to consider as you support your teen as they head back to school.
- Ask your child’s teachers if food, calories, BMI and/or bodies will be talked about in class, and then look to secure accommodations or make suggestions for a more body neutral approach to learning.
- Here are some resources you might share with your child’s teachers:
- https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/how-to-support-students-with-eating-disorders-as-they-return-to-in-school-learning
- https://anad.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Guidelines_for_Educators.pdf
- https://sunnysideupnutrition.com/diet-free-resources-for-schools/
- Establish an eating routine. Make a plan for eating throughout the day. Talk to your child’s teacher about allowing them to eat snacks in class, if needed.
- If your child is playing sports, work with them to acknowledge that they may need more food – and hydration – to support their activities. Talk with their dietitian to appropriately adjust their meal plan.
- Take the steps needed to ensure your child is able to continue going to therapy and dietitian sessions. While the school year can be busy with extra-curriculars, the consistency of being in therapy will be even more important with all the changes and extra voices that school brings.
- Keep lines of communication open. During this time of year, it is especially important to continue communicating with your child. Rather than pushing your child to talk to you, be an active listener and ask questions when they bring up a conversation. Respond without judgment and with compassion and questions about how something makes them feel.
Remember to remain positive and supportive of your teen as they experience these beginning weeks and months back to school. Remind them that they aren’t alone in their feelings, and remember that you are not alone either. Take care of your own mental health so that you can continue to take care of your family.
