How can I support my child who has special dietary restrictions due to food allergies or other medical issues?

Published September 20, 2021

In today's video Dr. Jillian Lampert shares advice for parents wondering how to support their kids with special dietary restrictions, such as food allergies.

In this video:

It makes sense that as a parent, you’d be concerned about this. People who have reason to pay special attention to their diet are at an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder.

Normalizing the things you need to do to manage the illness is a key strategy for success.

Be clear, and transparent, and help your child see this is just something they have to do to manage their health.

Keep a watchful eye, as you likely would anyway. If the child seems to be struggling, or you see them create food rules that don’t “fit” their illness, it’s time to ask questions or seek assistance.

It can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re doing great. No one is going to get it right all the time. Often there is no such thing as “the right thing”. Keep up the great work!

Dr. Emily Lampert
By Dr. Jillian Lampert
Dr. Lampert is the Chief Strategy Officer for Accanto Health (The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative) comprehensive eating disorder treatment programs with multiple locations across the country. Additionally, Dr. Lampert is Co-Founder and President of the REDC, the national consortium representing eating disorders care focused on treatment standards, best practices, access to care, and collaborative research. She is also Treasurer of the Eating Disorders Coalition, a DC-based national organization for eating disorders policy and advocacy, and a Board Member of WithAll, a Minnesota based organization that empowers eating disorder prevention and strengthens support for recovery. She holds an adjunct graduate faculty position in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Lampert completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics.

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