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A 1999 study done by Vanderbilt University confirmed three factors
that contribute to a family climate for eating disorders. These
included perceptions of the:
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Because appearance, family reputation & achievements
are external, this family can be perceived as the "perfect" family.
When the physical is emphasized over the spiritual, inner qualities
of character, an extremely unhealthy environment is created for
the children. |
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Parents: "Compliment them on their appearance,
but instill in them the importance of character and who they are
as a person beyond their looks. Consistently reassure them that
your love does not hinge on their physical appearance. Fathers should
also be careful not to withhold his affection from his daughters
based on their body weight, shape or size. And as a mother, mentor
or friend, your duty includes providing healthy meals for the family
and speaking encouraging words that express love and acceptance."
(Lauren Butzow,
www.troubledwith.com) |
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"The best thing a Christian woman can do is to focus
on developing her character. Inner beauty is the true magnet that
draws others to you. This is not an excuse for women to neglect
their bodies. We are told to 'Offer our bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God'. (Ro.12:1) |
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"The pressure is on: Young women are driven to excel
in all their pursuits. More and more young women expect themselves
to be flawless--a trend that experts believe is leading to an increase
in sleep deprivation, depression, migraines, ulcers and eating disorders
among teens. Although the government frets about leaving no student
behind, the millions of girls charging full-speed ahead could also
be on a fast track to disaster. Teens often feel the need to mask
the anxiety-to put on a good face for teachers and parents, whom
they try to please… (Teen Vogue, February 2006) |
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"Today girls think that they have to be extraordinary
in every area of their lives…Teens need to learn it's okay to make
mistakes and learn from them." (Roni Cohen Sandler, Ph.D) |
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The following are questions excerpted from an article
entitled, "A Parent's Role", by David Wall, Ph.D. & Bonnie Harken
at www.troubledwith.com.
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Parents, examine your dreams and goals for your children.
Are you overemphasizing physical appearance and body shape? |
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Examine what you are modeling-acceptance of self in
all circumstances, appropriate and reasonable measures to deal with
body functioning and size or self-condemnation, open or subtle criticism
of spouse's body, extreme diets, etc. |
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Examine your own attitudes and behaviors regarding
weight and appearance. Talk with your children about genetic differences
in body types and the devastating effects of prejudice. |
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Avoid categorizing foods as "good" and "bad" and be
a good role model by eating sensibly, using exercise as a path to
good health and enjoyment and accepting yourself. |
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Do everything you can to encourage your teenager's
self-respect based on intellectual, spiritual, athletic and social
endeavors. |
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Be committed to helping your family become discerning
about media messages which distort the true diversity of human body
types and imply that a slender body means happiness and success.
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Discuss celebrities whose lives are dysfunctional
and filled with problems in spite of having the "perfect body".
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Practice and demonstrate taking people for what they
say, feel and do-not for how thin they are. |
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Your body will never be perfect, but
it can be healthy. Exercising, getting enough sleep and eating
wisely will eventually lead to a healthier body…Remember your body
is not your own. It's on loan from your Heavenly Father, who deeply
cares for your physical well-being. |
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Finding the balance between character development
and body maintenance is part of the discipline of the Christian
walk. Be encouraged! You can do it! Claim God's Word that says,
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil.4:13)
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