Navigating the topic of food and nutrition with our teenage children can be quite challenging. With the constant discussions surrounding obesity, diet trends, and the need for exercise, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Parents often share in this pressure, and it’s essential to find ways to guide children through the conflicting messages about diets and healthy eating.
Explore our healthy family recipes, top 10 tips for happy meal times, sugar swaps for your family, and best vegetables for kids.
Guiding Healthy Eating Habits
Disordered eating is increasingly becoming a concern among children. You might notice signs such as your teen refusing food as a way to assert independence, skipping meals during the week only to overindulge on weekends, or adhering strictly to salads but subsequently bingeing on carbohydrates due to their growing bodies’ demands.
What teens truly need from their parents is a non-judgmental example regarding food. It’s important to recognize that teenagers often require more energy than adults, and they thrive on balanced and healthy dietary guidance, which can be challenging for some parents to provide, especially if they struggle with their own eating habits.
The best approach is to maintain a relaxed and enjoyable attitude towards food. Avoid focusing on weight and instead gently emphasize that hunger manifests in many forms, and nourishing food can satisfy diverse appetites. You can also educate them about how the food industry’s tactics can lead us to overeat.
Practical Advice for Parents
Listening rather than lecturing is essential when communicating with teenagers. Often, less is more — the fewer words you use, the more they will be inclined to listen.
Enhance your understanding of why junk food can be so alluring, not by condemning them entirely but by discussing the negative impact these foods can have on growing bodies and minds. Encourage healthier alternatives that are not laden with sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.
An effective way to teach these lessons is by involving your children in meal preparation once a week. This not only teaches them how to create nourishing dishes but also decreases the typical teenage conflicts that can arise at the dining table.
Recognizing Disordered Eating
What should you do if you’re concerned about your child’s eating behaviors? It’s important to differentiate between occasional pickiness and more serious issues like food avoidance, bingeing, or purging. These require prompt attention. Start by listening to your child’s feelings about food. Address their overeating or food avoidance in a gentle manner. The more they feel heard, the easier it will be to tackle concerning eating behaviors.
Early intervention is crucial. It can prevent problems from escalating, which is vital for the well-being of the child and the family unit. If you notice a significant avoidance of food, consult your GP or B-eat.
Looking for More Resources?
Dairy-free kids’ recipes
Coeliac disease in children
5 ways to encourage kids to try new foods.
25 easy kids’ dinner ideas
Do you find it challenging to discuss food with your teen? Have dinner times become contentious in your household? We welcome your insights and experiences.
All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is intended for general informational purposes and should not replace the medical advice of your own doctor or any healthcare professional. If you have any concerns regarding your health, please reach out to your local healthcare provider. For more information, consult our website’s terms and conditions.
Susie Orbach is a renowned psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, social critic, and author of several influential works, including Fat is a Feminist Issue.
