When Food Feels Scary: Eating Disorders in Kids & Teens (Early Signs & What Helps)

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Feb 24, 2026

Dr. Erin Parks, a clinical psychologist and Equip Health Chief Clinical Officer who treats teens and families, talks about early signs of disordered eating and when “healthy” becomes restrictive. She discusses perfectionism, control, how diet culture shows up at home, family-based approaches to take back meal-time control, and practical steps parents can use without shaming. Reassuring and action-focused.

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INSIGHT

Healthy Eating Can Hide Restriction

Eating concerns often start as culturally reinforced 'healthier' messages that mask rigidity or restriction.
Erin Parks says when kids remove previously enjoyed foods or avoid birthday cake, that 'healthy' shift is a red flag and worth curiosity.

ADVICE

Ask What Healthier Actually Means

Ask your child what 'healthier' means and why they want it instead of assuming it's harmless.
Erin Parks suggests asking 'why' to reveal if they're 'shoulding' themselves or chasing perfectionism tied to moralizing food.

ADVICE

Model Flexibility Instead Of Moralizing Food

Model flexible eating rather than moralizing foods; sometimes adjust your own behaviors if your child is especially observant.
Parks suggests naming differences (e.g., 'Dad watches cholesterol') or intentionally having dessert to show flexibility.

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When food starts to feel tense, restrictive, or obsessive at home, it can send a parent into panic fast.In observation of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Dr. Becky sits down with Dr. Erin Parks, Chief Clinical Officer at Equip Health, to talk about eating disorders and disordered eating in kids and teens—what the early signs look like, what’s happening emotionally underneath, and how parents can respond without escalating shame or control struggles.Eating disorders affect an estimated 30 million Americans in their lifetime. They are common. They are serious. And they are not caused by “bad parenting.” In this episode, we cover:

Early warning signs of eating disorders in kids and teens (including boys)
When “healthy eating” becomes rigid or concerning
The role of perfectionism and control
How diet culture shows up in family language
What shame sounds like inside a teen’s head
How to hold boundaries around health without turning food into a power struggle
When it’s time to seek professional help

Disordered eating behaviors are not about vanity or defiance—they’re often attempts to regulate overwhelming feelings. This conversation will help you feel more oriented, more compassionate, and clearer about your role.Equip Health is a sponsor of Good Inside's new Teen podcast.

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