The Pseudo-Nurturing Parent and the American Disease

Abstract

Eating patterns are considered in terms of the ego states of the parent and of the child, and the potential impacts of parental encouragement of child autonomy with respect to eating is contrasted to the effects of parental discounting of the child's ability. Eating patterns in adolescence and adulthood are discussed as sequelae to early parental discounting around food and eating. Suggestions for the treatment of childhood feeding problems are provided. Emphasis is placed upon the facilitation of Free Child eating as opposed to Adapted Child eating, although it is observed that the success of Weight Watchers is probably attributable to the establishment of an Adapted Child regimen for weight control.