Eating problems and disorders in children and young people
If you’re concerned about a child or young person’s relationship with food and their body image, these easy-to-read snapshots explain what’s happening and what to look for.
They explore different levels of need; from promoting positive body image and eating, beginning to struggle with their feelings around food, through to crisis care for eating disorder support. You can then read about how this support can be accessed. Click on the age-appropriate button to view and download the snapshot.
You can also use the following Eating Issues Continuum document to recognise thoughts, feelings, and behaviours associated with Eating Disorders and Eating Issues.
How to have a conversation with a young person if you are concerned about their eating
If they are not ready to talk about their problem, reassure them that you will be there when they are ready. However, don’t leave it too long to broach the subject again. Remember, eating disorders thrive on secrecy.
If they acknowledge that they need help, encourage/help them to seek it as quickly as possible.
If they tell you there’s nothing wrong, even if they seem convincing, keep an eye on them and keep in mind that they may be ill even if they don’t realise it. Denial that there’s a problem is common – you were worried for a reason, so trust your judgment.
Prepare what you want to say and how you’re going to say it, be aware to avoid talking just before or after mealtimes, as this can be the most anxiety-provoking time.
Say, “I am worried”, rather than “You need to get help”.
Don’t be disheartened if you receive a negative response, as the illness affects how the person thinks.
Don’t label them, “I think you have an eating disorder”.
Don’t be judgemental or confrontational.
Avoid shaming them and telling them they are being “silly” or ask, “What did you do that for?”.
Training
Liverpool CAMHS – Free Bitesize Training
On behalf of the Liverpool CAMHS partners, the Merseyside Youth Associations RAISE Team delivers FREE, one-hour training sessions on eating disorders in children and young people.
These are held monthly and are available for professionals, parents and carers at no cost.
To view upcoming training and book a place – visit the Liverpool CAMHS Training Page
Charlie Waller Trust – Eating Disorder Workshops for Parents and Carers
NHS England Workforce, Training and Education Division has funded the Charlie Waller Trust to deliver FREE New Maudsley Carers Skills workshops directly to parents and carers.
Each course consists of 5 workshops covering:
- Psychoeducation and empathy
- Cycle of change and motivational language
- Reflecting on caring responses
- What to try when things feel stuck
- Coaching your loved one to make their own changes
- Relapse contingency planning
To view upcoming dates and booking information – visit the Charlie Waller Trust website
Resources and Toolkits
Here, you can find a range of downloadable/online toolkits for specific audiences:
National Eating Disorders Association – Parent Toolkit
FEAST – Information for Parents
BEAT National Eating Disorder Charity – Eating Disorder Downloadable Resources
Educational Videos
An insightful animation that explores what it’s like to live with an eating disorder and the CAMHS eating disorder pathway.
Find more CAMHS films and animations here