When You're the Parent with an Eating Disorder
May 19, 2025 | By Dana Harron
Parenting is already a full-contact sport between juggling snacks, school runs, and meltdowns in the grocery store. But when you’re also trying to navigate an eating disorder, it can feel so much harder. The emotional, physical, and mental toll of managing your relationship with food while trying to be present for your kids can feel overwhelming, isolating, and downright exhausting.
Parenting with an eating disorder can be really hard. But it’s not impossible, and you’re not alone.
Balancing Eating Disorder Recovery and Parenthood
Recovery from an eating disorder isn’t a straight line, it's more like a messy scribble. Add parenting into the mix and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short in both areas. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be a perfect parent to be a good one. And you don’t have to have your recovery "figured out" to show up for your kids.
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Creating small, manageable routines can help. Maybe that looks like having consistent family meals, not just for your kids’ benefit but for your own structure in managing your eating disorder. It might mean reaching out for support, whether that’s from a therapist, a support group, or trusted friends, in order to navigate those tough days when the eating disorder voice feels loud. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s a way to model self-compassion and resilience for your children.
Managing Guilt in Parenthood and Recovery
Parenting comes with its fair share of guilt and dealing with an eating disorder can amplify that tenfold. You might worry about the example you’re setting or feel like you’re not present enough. But guilt isn’t a helpful compass because it won’t lead you anywhere. Instead, focus on small moments of connection. Reading a bedtime story, sharing a laugh, or even just sitting quietly together can mean more than grand gestures.
And if you slip up? That’s okay. Repair is powerful. Apologizing, being honest (in age-appropriate ways), and showing your kids that it’s okay to make mistakes teaches them invaluable lessons about resilience and grace.
Kids and Body Talk: Shaping a Healthier Environment
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Kids are like little sponges and they pick up on everything, even when we think they’re not listening. Being mindful of how we talk about bodies, food, and appearance can go a long way, especially when managing your own eating disorder. You don’t need to have it all figured out to foster a body-positive environment. Simple shifts like trying to use children's literature with a wide variety of body types and celebrating the joy in eating together can plant seeds of healthy attitudes.
Some days, the struggle with your eating disorder will be louder than the positive affirmations. On those days, give yourself permission to lean on your support system. It’s okay to not have all the answers.
You Deserve Support
You’re not just a parent, you’re a whole person who is deserving of care and support. Seeking help for your eating disorder isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s an act of strength and love. Therapy, support groups, and trusted professionals can help you navigate both recovery and parenting.
At the end of the day, remember this: you’re doing the best you can with what you have. That’s more than enough. Real change is possible, and so is being the parent your kids need while honoring your own healing journey with your eating disorder.
Reach Out
If you’re considering professional support, we’re here to help. Please reach out to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation. There’s no fee and no obligation—just click the button below to get started.
You can also call or text us at 202-656-3681, or email us directly. Give yourself the opportunity for the support you deserve.