Helping children develop positive attitudes toward food and eating is essential for their physical health, emotional well-being, and self-confidence. A healthy relationship with food involves balance, enjoyment, and mindfulness, rather than restrictive dieting or guilt around eating. Parents, educators, and caregivers play a crucial role in shaping children's food attitudes through their words, actions, and the food environment they create (National Eating Disorders Association, 2023).

Treating pediatric eating disorders effectively involves more than focusing solely on symptoms related to food and body weight. A holistic approach aims to address all aspects of a child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs. By evaluating the whole person rather than isolating the problem to eating behaviors alone, caregivers and professionals can create a more comprehensive plan that fosters lasting recovery

Eating disorders are often complex conditions arising from a blend of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders in children often intertwine in a complex relationship, with each condition potentially influencing the onset and progression of the others.  Research suggests that children with heightened anxiety or depressive symptoms may develop disordered eating behaviors as a form of coping

When you’re walking through recovery from an eating disorder — whether you’re just beginning or have been at it for a while — it’s easy to feel like every step forward should be perfect. Like every meal, every therapy session, every thought has to be “right.”