Supporting Children with eating disorders with Vineyard Fostering Agency
Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025 (28th February – 6th March) is an international awareness event, fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround eating disorders.
Eating Disorders
Children and young people’s attitudes toward eating are affected by a range of factors. Their appetite and eating habits may change at different ages; this is normal. Problems often emerge when a child or young person feels under pressure. They may lose their appetite, or they may turn to food for comfort and eat even when they are not hungry. Their worries about food may be related to their size or body shape, or it can be more about their emotions and self-esteem. Young people’s problems with food can begin as a coping strategy or a way of feeling in control, but they may lead to more restrictive or unhealthy patterns of eating or other harmful behaviors to lose weight, such as vomiting or exercising excessively.
Myths and Misunderstandings
- Eating disorders only happen to young girls.
- Eating disorders are a choice.
- Someone must be underweight to have an eating disorder.
- Eating disorders are a diet that goes wrong.
- People cannot recover from the illness.
- Parents and carers are to blame for their loved one’s eating disorder.
How Foster Carers Can Help
Foster carers play an important role in supporting a child or young person experiencing an eating disorder.
- Make time to listen: Create a calm, safe space where the child or young person can communicate how they are feeling without judgment. Try to avoid saying things that could feel judgmental or dismissive.
- Encourage regular mealtimes as a family: Sitting down together for regular mealtimes as a family can help encourage social and healthy eating behaviors and help monitor any concerns about eating problems. Keep the conversation neutral.
- Seek specialist advice and support quickly if you think the young person you care for has physical symptoms secondary to weight loss, suicidal thoughts, or self-harming: It is important that you do not ignore these signs and that you speak to a GP or crisis mental health helpline.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Stay connected with Vineyard Fostering Agency for more guidance and resources during Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025. Let us make a positive impact together!