Nursery World - Heathly appetites

How can play leaders manage a child's eating disorder? Andrea Clifford-Poston outlines how to recognise the symptoms and help the child to regain control. It is an interesting reflection on our society that workers in out-of-school clubs should have to think about being aware of eating disorders in children. Childhood is changing. Children are maturing physically much earlier. They are also increasingly sophisticated in matters of dress and entertainment.

It is an interesting reflection on our society that workers in out-of-school clubs should have to think about being aware of eating disorders in children. Childhood is changing. Children are maturing physically much earlier. They are also increasingly sophisticated in matters of dress and entertainment.

It is not uncommon for six-year-olds to celebrate their birthdays with a disco or 'make-over' party. Year 4 and 5 children may be acutely fashion- and weight-conscious, often filled with a desire to be a Britney Spears or David Beckham lookalike. In a sense, these children are not being allowed to enjoy their own body shape.

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