In a recent installment of Slate’s Care and Feeding parenting advice column, a concerned parent sought help regarding their young teenage daughter’s sudden decrease in food intake. The parent noticed a significant shift in their daughter’s eating habits, with her now consuming only a fraction of her previous meals and showing interest in diet advice and weight loss tips online. Despite being at a healthy weight, the daughter’s fixation on losing weight raised red flags for the parent, prompting them to seek guidance on how to approach this sensitive issue with their child.
The parent expressed worries about their daughter’s well-being and sought advice on how to address her eating habits without causing defensiveness. The column recommended a gentle confrontation to understand the underlying reasons for the daughter’s behavior. Encouraging a balanced diet, regular exercise, and educating the teenager about the risks of severe food restrictions and eating disorders were suggested as constructive ways to support her. Additionally, fostering a positive body image and exposing the daughter to diverse body representations in media were emphasized as crucial steps in promoting a healthy relationship with food and self-esteem.
If the daughter struggles to adjust her eating habits despite parental intervention, seeking professional help from a therapist specializing in treating eating disorders was advised as a precautionary measure. The parent was encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure the daughter’s well-being and address any potential underlying issues contributing to her changed behavior. Overall, the column highlighted the importance of open communication, education, and positive reinforcement in guiding teenagers toward a healthy approach to nutrition and self-care.