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Moms Role in Eating Disorder Treatment

By Staff Writer

The mother-daughter relationship is full of both tenderness and strife. While a teenage girl may be able to ignore criticisms that come from the rest of the world, when mom makes a negative comment, it can resonate for years. When it comes to body image, well-intentioned suggestions about eating less or exercising more can plant the seed for unhealthy eating practices down the road.

Like Mom, Like Daughter?

The American Dietetic Association suggests that mothers may model unhealthy attitudes toward their own weight, potentially contributing to body dissatisfaction and the development of an eating disorder in their daughter. According to a study by the association, girls as young as 5 may begin dieting simply because mom has.

But other studies have shown that the interactions between mother and daughter – including the existence of healthy boundaries and a sense of autonomy – are more likely to contribute to or protect against eating disorder behaviors in children.

What to Expect During Treatment for Eating Disorders

When a teenage girl is receiving treatment for an eating disorder, moms can expect deep-rooted issues to come up as part of the healing process. Anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders cause immense physical, psychological and emotional damage. In addition to achieving a healthy weight and developing a more balanced relationship with food, eating disorder treatment involves intense psychotherapy.

Experts believe that a temporary break from family members allows teenage girls to explore their relationship with their mom in a more thorough and introspective way. Residential eating disorder programs give families this space to take an honest look at their family dynamics and come back together for family therapy to resolve any issues. With the help of a therapist, mother and daughter can learn the best ways to support each other as they work toward lasting recovery.

Of course, mothers are not to blame for every problem their child has or every eating disorder that develops. Teens often expect their moms to have all the answers and to do everything right. An important part of eating disorder treatment is learning to accept flaws in ourselves and others and embracing the concepts of acceptance and forgiveness.