When your child starts exhibiting changes in his/her emotional well-being particularly related to his/her body image, he/she is undergoing bodily changes that may become a problem later on if not taken cared of early in life. Dr. Susan Mendelsohn, a clinical psychologist from Florida suggests the following activities to assist you in giving your child positive reinforcement. 1. Educate your child about the genetic differences in body types and the nature of prejudice. 2. Avoid placing judgments upon people who do not meet your standards for beauty. Refrain from giving critical comments like, "You"ll look more beautiful if you lose some pounds," or "Don't eat so much. It will make you fat." 3. Discuss with your child the dangers of trying to alter body shape through dieting. Emphasize the value of choosing the right kinds of food and moderate exercise for stamina and cardiovascular fitness. 4. Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad" and "low-fat" or "fattening". 5. Be a good role model in regard to sensible eating, sensible exercising and self-acceptance. 6. Help your child develop appreciation for others - especially women - for who they are and what they do and not for what they look like or how they dress up. 7. Do not limit your child's caloric intake unless a physician has instructed you to do so. Children need a variety of foods including fats, protein and carbohydrates for their growth and body maintenance. 8. Allow your child to be active and to enjoy what they do and feel. Encourage them to exercise for their health rather than their weight. 9. Give boys and girls the same encouragement and opportunities. Make sure their household responsibilities are divided evenly without establishing stereotypical rules for male or female activities. 10. Promote your child's self-esteem and self-respect in every aspect of their being, including intellectual, athletic and social endeavors. Following this list of guidelines will not only help solve your child's eating disorder but will also help you have a closer and more intimate relationship with your child. © 2005 Rachelle Arlin Credo. All rights reserved. Rachelle Arlin Credo is a freelance writer and web columnist from the Philippines. She writes on a variety of topics for print and online publications. Feel free to check her website at http://www.rachelle.co.nr
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