We are Not Alone!

Emotional eating isn’t just for adults.  Many children have experienced emotional eating as well.  As adults we often forget what its like to be a child.  We forget that because we no longer find a situation stressful doesn’t mean that a child won’t find the situation to be traumatic.

Just like adults, children can connect both positive and negative emotions with eating.  For example, a child who is given a treat for a job well done may associate positive emotions or outcomes with food.  A child who is given a cookie after crying may learn that cookies will comfort them when they are sad. 

If you have children of your own or work with children, encourage them to talk about their emotions.  Explain to them the differences between physical hunger and emotional hunger.  For example, physical hunger comes on gradually while emotional hunger feels urgent.  You can satisfy physical hunger with most any foods; with emotional hunger cravings can rule. 

Emotional eating can be learned at a very young age and be is very hard to unlearn.   It is important that we teach children how to control emotions and eating habits associated with emotions.

For ideas that help and hinder check out this website - http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers/healthy-habits/HelpAndHinderPhrases.pdf