Eating disorders are unusual in children at primary school but not unheard of, so if you are worrying about whether your child is developing an eating disorder, or have discovered that they have, see your GP straight away to discuss a possible referral to specialist services. If you are a child and worried you may have an eating disorder click here.
Have look at some of the resources in the secondary school section if your child has a diagnosis of an eating disorder, as some of these might be helpful for you.
- I’m worried my child might have an eating disorder or an unhealthy attitude to food Read this page on YoungMinds
- FREED resources for families include “eating with confidence” which is useful to help think about starting recovery and more.
- Advice for parents including mealtime tips and how to talk to your child.
- Supporting someone with an eating disorder on BEAT charity’s website
Websites and helplines
- Talk-ED Online community support for parents and carers and a help directory: put in your postcode and find counsellors in your area. Helpline 03000 111213
- Beat eating disorders Helpline, directory of services, stories, blogs and the possibility to chat online. There is a separate helpline for young people under 18. Helpline 0808 8010677
Books
- Eating Disorders Pocketbook by Pooky Knightsmith. Written for teachers, this little book is also great for parents. One reviewer writes: ‘I love the way Pooky writes from the heart and is so knowledgeable.’
- Hope with eating disorders by Lynn Crilly, written from a parent’s first-hand experience, advice on how to identify and cope with different eating disorders and case studies.
- Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder Lots of real-life examples and action points for parents to help support their son or daughter.by Janet Treasure et al.
- Can I tell you about Eating Disorders? by Brian Lask and Lucy Watson. Available in your local library as part of a series of books recommended by young people and health experts (known as ‘Shelf-Help’)