Parents as Role Models

Many adults in our society are "restrained eaters" whether or not they are following a specific diet. They are on their guard all the time around food and looking for ways to keep their appetite under control. They trust outside influences like a diet plan or the amount they think they "should" eat rather than their own body signals for hunger and satisfaction.

Contrary to public opinion, restrained eating is not a healthy practice.

Studies show that restrained eaters eat just as much as normal eaters and often more. Because they never feel truly satisfied, restrained eaters are likely to overeat:

Whenever they let down their guard (for example in times of stress)
Whenever they feel they have permission to eat (for example during pregnancy or times of celebration)

Parents who diet are likely to have children who become dieters too.

Parents who are concerned about their own weight may try to control the amount their children eat. This can lead to problems with overeating and weight gain.

Parents need to examine their own attitudes about body image, weight and dieting in order to become better role models for their children. This applies to teachers, coaches and other adult role models too.

What Messages are You Sending to Your Children? Ask Yourself These Questions:

Am I dissatisfied with my shape or size? Do I talk about this? Who do I talk to? Who can overhear?
Am I always on a diet or going on a diet? Who knows this?
Do I express guilt when I eat certain foods?
Do I make negative comments about others' appearance?
Am I prejudiced against overweight children or adults?
Do I think that they have made bad choices about what or how much they eat?
How many times have I said "Oh, you look great! Have you lost weight?"
How many times have I associated the word "fat" with other words such as “stupid”, “lazy” or “dumb”?
How many times have I made the opposite association - “nice and skinny”? (Children's Health Services, Halton Regional Social and Community Services Department, 1999)