So much of the training to be a therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders has emphasized the importance of not blaming parents for their child's eating disorder. This perspective acknowledges the complex interplay of genetic predispositions and societal influences. However, ignoring parents' significant impact in shaping their children's relationship with food and their bodies and, in some cases, their contribution to the development and maintenance of their child's eating disorder would be shortsighted and negligent.

Consider this scenario: If a family sought help for a child's alcohol abuse, while the parents regularly drank alcohol in front of the child or openly discussed their favorite alcoholic beverages, it would rightly raise concerns. Addressing such behavior, assessing the parents' relationship with alcohol, and establishing boundaries to support the child's recovery would be standard practice. Why should it be any different........

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