http://BWVwarriors.com
NOV 21ST NO BS 411 On Eating Disorders & Body Image w/ Becca Marino
BWV INSIDEOut Inc. is a non-profit movement for Beauty, Worth, and Value from the INSIDEOut.
This week's video is a great Q&A!!! See below
Question: I would like to invest more time in teaching my children how to identify and express their feelings but I'm not sure how, or what is the best way to do this. What do you suggest?
Dear Dr. Prigoff,
I've noticed that two of my children begin to engage in unusual eating behaviors when they are frustrated, angry, and/or sad. Kelly (9) tends to eat excessively and Robbie (14) becomes confrontational around meal time as he tries to avoid eating. I've been doing some research and learned there is often a connection between disordered eating behaviors and a child's/person's inability to experience certain feelings. I would like to invest more time in teaching my children how to identify and express their feelings but I'm not sure how, or what is the best way to do this. What do you suggest?
First of all, good for you for noticing a connection between your children's moods and their eating habits! It is very true that we often use food as a way to cope with our feelings. For example, we may eat more when we are bored, sad, lonely or angry. Oftentimes, extreme anxiety causes some people to restrict their intake of food. While we may sometimes feel a temporary sense of relief or a calming effect from some foods, no food will ever be able to help us effectively cope with our emotions. Instead of using food to change your mood, the best alternative is to learn how to: 1) Identify what you are feeling, and give it a name (i.e., "shame"); 2) Determine the best way for you to express your feelings -- via writing, talking to someone, artistic expression, or simply allowing yourself to fully experience the emotion. By allowing the feelings to be acknowledged and felt, they will generally lessen in intensity and improve your mood.
Teaching children how to cope with their emotions can begin in toddlerhood by teaching them the names of feelings and pairing them with matching facial expressions. There are also many emotion-focused educational games available that kids generally love to play. As children get older, you can continue to help them notice what they are feeling and teach them how to appropriately manage their emotions. Remember, there are no "good" or "bad" feelings! Judging your children's feelings (i.e., "You shouldn't get mad about this") will only stifle the body's natural healing process in the long run. So, while you should allow your children to express whatever emotion they are feeling, you can teach them ways to do so without hurting themselves (i.e., overeating) or others (i.e., verbal abuse).
It's never too late to teach your children this critical life skill! I encourage you to research the numerous parenting resources online and in bookstores. Additionally, you could find mentors, therapists or school counselors who can help you in this process. Best of luck!
To contact Dr. Prigoff
Licensed Counseling & Consulting Psychologist
740 Brookhaven Circle 38117
901.268.4964
GPrigoffPhD@Comcast.net
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BWV INSIDEOut Inc.
http://BWVwarriors.com/
NO BS 411 On Eating Disorders & Body Image w/
Becca Marino and Kirsten Cannon
Kirsten Cannon, Intern
University of Memphis
Becca Marino
Founder & Owner of Fitness INSPIRATION! Inc., and BWV INSIDEOut Inc.
Motivational Speaker
Girls Inc. Mentor
NSCA-CPT
Lifestyle Coach
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from George Mason University in Fairfax Virginia. Becca also acquired the Certified Personal Training Certification from the National Strength & Conditioning Association, one of the best national accrediting organizations in the fitness field.
Fitness INSPIRATION! Inc.
www.BelieveItBringItAchieveIt.com
BWVINSIDEOut Inc.
http://BWVwarriors.com/
Becca and Kirsten would love to connect with you! They can be reached at 901.825.4883, or by e-mailing GetInvolved@BWVwarriors.com
Visit us on the web: http://BWVwarriors.com/
— with Fitness INSPIRATION! Inc and Becca Marino at B.W.V. INSIDEOut Incorporated.
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Dec5th-NO BS411 (Part 2) On Eating Disorders & Body Image w/ Becca Marino & Kirsten Cannonby BWVWarriors15 views
Thank you, Becca Marino! You ARE such an inspiration! Keep the 411 coming!
GETSOLFIT 3 days ago