We’ve all seen the classic movie scene where a kid is skillfully pushing peas and carrots around their plate, trying to create the illusion of having eaten. It’s usually good for a laugh, but what happens when your child’s behavior around food starts to worry you?

It’s completely normal for kids to be picky eaters, but sometimes, subtle changes in their eating habits can signal something deeper.

Noticing the signs of an eating disorder early on can really make a difference in getting your child the help they need before things go too far.

Can Kids Actually Have an Eating Disorder?

Many people believe that eating disorders only affect teenagers or adults, but this is a common misconception.

In reality, children can also develop eating disorders, and they may begin to show signs at a much younger age than many parents might expect. Realizing that even young kids can deal with issues around food and body image, which might lead to disordered eating patterns, is the first step.

Common eating disorders in children include:

Anorexia Nervosa: A struggle marked by extreme food restriction fueled by an overwhelming fear of gaining weight.

Bulimia Nervosa: A cycle where moments of binging are followed by purging, creating a rollercoaster of emotions.

Binge Eating Disorder: A battle with consuming large amounts of food in one go, often accompanied by a haunting feeling of losing control.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A unique challenge where certain foods are refused due to their texture, taste, or appearance, significantly affecting your child’s nutritional health.

Signs Your Child May Be Developing an Eating Disorder:

1. Changes in Eating Habits

First up, keep an eye on their eating habits. If you notice your child skipping meals, eating less than usual, or getting overly picky about portions, take note. Maybe your child starts cutting food into tiny bits or steering clear of foods they once loved. These small changes can hint at a bigger struggle with food.

2. Obsession with Weight and Appearance

Is your child suddenly fixated on weight and looks? If they’re dieting, talking about losing weight, or constantly critiquing their body, it’s time to pay attention. They might start feeling “fat” without any real reason and get sucked into social media content that pushes unrealistic body images.

3. Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Eating disorders often bring emotional ups and downs. Notice if your child is moody, pulling away from friends and family, or avoiding food-related social events. If they start lying about what they’ve eaten or get defensive when you ask, it could be a sign something deeper is happening.

4. Physical Symptoms

There are physical clues too. Look out for sudden weight loss, frequent dizziness, or tiredness. Thinning hair, dry skin, or irregular periods in older kids can also be red flags. These symptoms might not seem connected at first, but they often are.

5. Exercise Patterns

Exercise is great, but too much can signal a problem. If your child is obsessed with working out, even when they’re exhausted or injured, that’s a warning sign. They might be using exercise to make up for eating and feel the need to push themselves constantly.

Conclusion

Spotting these signs doesn’t automatically mean your child has an eating disorder, but trust your gut and stay observant. If your worries persist, professional help can be a solution. Keep talking to your child, approach the topic gently, and make sure they know you’re there for them—judgment-free. Your support could be the first step toward their recovery.