001 - Where to Start: Recognizing and Responding to Your Child’s Eating Disorder

In this inaugural episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura introduce the new F.E.A.S.T. podcast aimed at helping parents and caregivers navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of eating disorder caregiving. Both hosts share their personal experiences as mothers who supported their children through eating disorders; they discuss recognizing the signs of eating disorders, the importance of early intervention, and the initial steps parents can take once they suspect their child may have an eating disorder. The episode stresses the importance of trusting parental instincts, seeking proper medical assessment, and obtaining reliable information and support from trusted resources like F.E.A.S.T. The discussion also touches on the crucial role of nutrition in treatment, how to deal with the shock of diagnosis, and the vital importance of parent involvement in the treatment process.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:03 Meet the Hosts: Jenni and Laura

02:26 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder

04:17 Personal Stories and Early Signs

14:30 Medical Advice and Pediatrician Visits

21:38 Emergency Situations and Resources

22:47 Importance of Medical Assessments

28:13 Key Questions for Parents

29:29 Understanding Safe School Attendance

30:49 Balancing Physical Activity and Eating Disorders

33:13 The Emotional Impact of Eating Disorders

36:20 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder

44:56 The Importance of Nutritional Rehabilitation

48:36 The Role of Parents in Treatment

52:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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AED’s Guide to Medical Care of Eating Disorders

AED’s Emergency Room Guide

FEAST 30 Days

What Constitutes Good Medical Care for Pediatric Eating Disorders? (FEAST Webinar July 2025)

What Does Good Medical Care Look LIke? A Guide for Parents of Children with Eating Disorders (FEAST Webinar Slides July 2025)

Around the Dinner Table Forum

Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group

► Learn more on the F.E.A.S.T. website:

https://feast-ed.org

► Connect with our supportive parent community forum:

https://feast-ed.org/forum/

► Follow F.E.A.S.T. on Social Media:

https://feast–ed.org/linkinbio/