When Food Feels Scary: Eating Disorders in Kids & Teens (Early Signs & What Helps)

ℹ️ EPISODE INFO

Released

February 24, 2026

Duration

39m

Channel

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Watch on YouTube

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📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

When food starts to feel tense, restrictive, or obsessive at home, it can send a parent into panic fast. In observation of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Dr. Becky sits down with Dr. Erin Parks, Chief Clinical Officer at Equip Health, to talk about eating disorders and disordered eating in kids and teens—what the early signs look like, what’s happening emotionally underneath, and how parents can respond without escalating shame or control struggles.Eating disorders affect an estimated 30 million Americans in their lifetime. They are common. They are serious. And they are not caused by “bad parenting.” In this episode, we cover:

• Early warning signs of eating disorders in kids and teens (including boys)
• When “healthy eating” becomes rigid or concerning
• The role of perfectionism and control
• How diet culture shows up in family language
• What shame sounds like inside a teen’s head
• How to hold boundaries around health without turning food into a power struggle
• When it’s time to seek professional help

Disordered eating behaviors are not about vanity or defiance—they’re often attempts to regulate overwhelming feelings. This conversation will help you feel more oriented, more compassionate, and clearer about your role.*Equip Health is a sponsor of Good Inside's new Teen podcast.* Thank you to our partners for making this episode of Good Inside possible!

• Care.com: http://Care.comhttp://www.care.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=GOOD35_INF00038 For a limited time, you can use the code GOOD35 to save 35% on a Care.com Premium Membership.*

• Once Upon a Farm: https://onceuponafarmorganics.com/ Use the code GOODINSIDE for 40% off your first subscription.
• Hiya: https://hiyahealth.com/: Use the code DRBECKY for 50% off your first order.

*Offer applies to initial term of Care.com membership subscriptions. Not applicable to add-on features or non-renewing access fees or services. Expires 4/26/26. Care.com does not employ or place any caregiver. Background checks are an important start, but they have limits. Visit [www.care.com/safety](http://www.care.com/safety). Order your copy of Leave Me Alone! Dr. Becky’s new picture book about Deeply Feeling Kids: https://www.goodinside.com/leavemealone/?utm_source=&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=leavemealone_preorder_on_sale&utm_content=shownotes_20260224

🎤 SPEAKERS

• Dr. Erin Parks

  guest

  Clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders in children and adolescents.

🧾 EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Good Inside with Dr. Becky, featuring Dr. Becky and Dr. Erin Parks, When Food Feels Scary: Eating Disorders in Kids & Teens (Early Signs & What Helps) explores Recognizing and responding to kids’ eating disorders without panic or blame Eating disorders and disordered eating are more common than many parents realize and have increased since 2020, often showing up as either escalating picky eating or “healthy eating” that becomes rigid and restrictive.

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