'When Your Child Has An Eating Disorder' Book Review

When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder by Abigail Natenshon is a step-by-step workbook for parents of children and young people with eating disorders. Using examples and exercises, it unpacks many of the myths about eating disorders, explains treatment approaches and advises on what parents can do to help. The book is divided into three sections, 'The Truth about Eating Disorders', 'Taking Action' and 'Recovery'. It's written in a confident and approachable style, avoiding jargon, and the text is well broken up using frequent summaries, tips and activities. The book tackles head on the dilemma of the parent, who wants desparately to help their child, but is also aware of the danger of getting overinvolved in their child's care.

I feel this is a valuable book for parents of young people with eating disorders. It will inevitably help to reduce the feelings of isolation and helplessness which are so common. Readers might be tempted to dip in and out of the book as sections become relevant, rather than following the whole programme from start to finish, which might feel rather overwhelming.