This guide is designed to support families navigating the complex and often overwhelming
journey of helping a child or adolescent recover from an eating disorder. Family
involvement is a critical component of effective treatment. With the right information and
support, families can play a powerful role in promoting recovery.

1. Understanding Eating Disorders in Young People
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that impact both physical and
emotional wellbeing. Common types in young people include anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

Key signs to watch for:

• Significant weight loss or growth faltering

• Food restriction or avoidance of certain food groups

• Ritualistic or secretive eating behaviours

• Excessive concern with body image, shape, or weight

• Social withdrawal, anxiety, or irritability around food and meals

 

2. Why Family Involvement Matters
Family support is often a central pillar of successful treatment, particularly for children and
adolescents. Research shows that involving parents or guardians in the treatment process
improves outcomes.

Roles families can play:

• Supporting consistent meals and snacks

• Providing emotional encouragement and structure

• Managing distress, conflict, and secrecy at home

• Attending therapy sessions when appropriate

 

3. Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Several treatment models are effective for young people with eating disorders, often
tailored to individual and family needs.

Key approaches include:

• Adolescent and Parent Treatment (APT): Combines individual therapy for the adolescent

• with parent coaching and family work.

• Family-Based Treatment (FBT): Parents lead the refeeding and recovery process,

• especially effective for anorexia nervosa.

• Individual Therapy: May include CBT-E, ACT, DBT, or other models, especially with older

• teens.

• Dietetic Support: Helps with meal planning, food education, and challenging restrictive

• patterns.

• Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ins with GPs or paediatricians to ensure physical

• safety.

 

4. What to Expect in Treatment
Treatment typically begins with a comprehensive assessment by Dr Linsey Atkins to
determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Expectations:

• Regular sessions (weekly or fortnightly)

• Involvement of parents in therapy and/or meal support

• Ongoing monitoring of progress and physical health

• Adjustments in therapy as the young person progresses

 

5. How to Support Your Child at Home
Your role as a parent or carer is vital.

 

Tips for support:

• Stay calm and compassionate, even when your child is distressed

• Stick to regular meal times and avoid negotiation over food

• Validate emotions but hold boundaries around nutrition

• Avoid blame, shame, or commenting on appearance

• Maintain open, non-judgemental communication

 

6. Taking Care of Yourself as a Parent
Supporting a child with an eating disorder is emotionally demanding.

Parental self-care strategies:

• Attend your own support or parent coaching sessions

• Connect with other families going through similar experiences

• Set boundaries and get rest when needed

• Seek help for your own mental health, if impacted

7. When to Seek Help
If you're concerned about your child’s eating, early intervention is key.

 

Seek help from:

• GP or paediatrician specialised in eating disorders

• Clinical psychologist with specialised experience in eating disorders

• Dietitian with specialist eating disorder expertise

 

Don’t wait for the problem to worsen — reaching out early can lead to better recovery outcomes.