Is Your Child an Emotional Eater?

Most of us today are familiar with the term “emotional eater”.  It has been used to describe many overweight and obese adults who have a tendency to pick up a snack or visit the candy store whenever they feel sad, bored, lonely, or stressed out. 

What many people don’t realize, however, is that the same is also true for children.  Many of today’s children have learned to become emotional eaters, largely due to the fact that many adults tend to offer ‘pick me up’ treats whenever a child is feeling stressed out or sad. 

Recognizing this behavior in yourself or your partner is the first step to stopping it, and can lead to better overall health for your children.  Instead of offering a snack, suggest that the two of you enjoy a favorite activity together. This can help not only curb the urge to eat out of stress, but it can help create a situation where your children will be comfortable telling you what is bothering them.  For instance, if you little girl is upset or depressed, taking her into the garden or to the park for a walk or a game with the family dog will lift her spirits just as well as a sugary treat.

Whatever the cause, emotional eating in your children is never healthy, and you have to learn the signs of this behavior.  Whenever your child is feeling bored or stressed out, does he or she naturally gravitate toward the refrigerator or ask you for a snack?  This is certainly a warning sign of this coping behavior.  If your children seem to want food whenever they are displaying certain emotions, it is up to you to help break the cycle. 

When you take steps to curb emotional eating in children, you do more than just lower their risk of obesity.  You also help to promote healthy coping mechanisms and the ability to vent their feelings in a healthy way.  We all want our children to grow up healthy, and ensuring that they are eating only when needed can be a significant step.