Some kids eat more than enough and end up taking food without control. Other kids on the other hand almost eat nothing at all. Eating disorders can be very hard to deal with and when this kind of problem surmounts in the eating havits of your children, they should be given attention and should be addressed at the soonest possible time.
About 35% of children in America have feeding problems, "from mild picky eaters to children with much more severe food refusal and physical reasons that cause food avoidance" according to Richard M. Katz, chief medical officer at Mt. Washington. The Wallstreet Journal reports based on Dr. Katz comments that rigorously affected children and children with disabilities are thought to comprise 10% of the children who have eating problems. The kids' problems with eating turns into constant food avoidance which put them at risk of malnutrition and even longer-term physical and neurological development issues.
Undereating causes a slow growth rate that is common among children around 1 year of age. It develops if a parent or caregiver forces the child to eat or even expresses too much concern about the child's appetite or eating habits. The tendency of a child to refuse eating could become worse if such act is reinforced. Force-feeding also ends up making kids vomit what they are being force fed with.
Overeating on the other hand can lead to obesity, which can later cause diseases and most likely an early death. Obesity can also increase emotional problems that can affect the child and influence them to do self-harm or worst commit suicide.
Parents have a great role in saving their kids from eating disorders. EatingDisorders.org suggest ways to keep kids from the harmful effects of eating disorders:
1. Label foods as 'good' or 'bad' so that feelings of guilt and shame is felt when 'bad' foods are eaten
2. Do not use food as bribes, punishment or rewards
3. Children learn by example - so set a good eating habit example to them.
4. Allow your child to eat when hungry and stop when full
5. Never force them to eat everything in the plate
6. Do not criticise or tease children about their appearance nor compare them with other child's appearance
7. Keep them fit through sports.
These tips and more can be helpful. However, some eating disorders are toxic and you might need the help of the experts. Make sure that you have your child checked by the doctor to avoid serious effect of eating disorders.
