What Divorced Parents Should Know About Eating Disorders In Young Kids

How young is too young for an eating disorder? Psychologist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Tali Berliner joins host Michelle Dempsey-Multack to explore why children as young as six are developing disordered eating patterns, and what divorced or co-parenting families need to know. You’ll learn how emotional instability, conflicting routines, and control-seeking behavior in post-divorce households can fuel the early onset of body image issues and food-related anxiety. Whether you’re raising boys, girls, or neurodivergent children, this episode offers clear, compassionate strategies for protecting your child’s mental and emotional health. What You'll Learn: Why eating disorders are showing up earlier—and how divorce environments accelerate risk What emotional and behavioral signs to watch for in children (that often go unnoticed) The role of emotional safety, food freedom, and consistency across two homes How to talk about food and body image without reinforcing diet culture or shame The growing prevalence of eating disorders in boys and what makes them different Episode Chapters & Highlights: 03:18 – Why eating disorders are increasing in young children post-COVID 07:45 – How emotional control and instability contribute to disordered eating 13:02 – What not to say to kids about food and their bodies 19:10 – Red flags parents often miss: picky eating, food rituals, and body talk 25:50 – How to support healthy habits without control or fear-based parenting 30:11 – Eating disorders in boys: what’s different and why it matters 35:02 – Dr. Berliner’s advice to parents: “You can be your child’s safest place” About The Guest: Dr. Tali Berliner is a licensed psychologist specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, and trauma. With a deep focus on children, adolescents, and family systems, she helps parents create emotionally regulated, harm-reducing environments where kids can thrive—especially after divorce or disruption. Tools & Concepts Mentioned: “All Foods Fit” model Food Freedom Parenting Protective Buffering in Co-Parenting Body neutrality language for children Trauma-informed intervention for early-onset eating disorders Closing Insight: “You can’t always control what happens in the other household—but you can create safety, trust, and consistency in your own. And that makes all the difference.” If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with another parent, coach, or caregiver who may need to hear it. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps this podcast reach the families who need it most. Find our more about how to build resilient children after divorce, or get one-on-one coaching from Michelle Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Subscribe on Spotify Facebook TikTok LinkedIn LINK TO TRANSCRIPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices