As the school year begins, new schedules, social pressures, and changes in daily routines can have a big impact on a young person’s relationship with food, body image, and self-esteem. While some kids adjust easily, others may experience stress, anxiety, or shifts in behavior that can quietly affect their health and well-being.
For parents, this is an important time to listen and observe. Early awareness can make a significant difference — especially when it comes to preventing or addressing concerns like disordered eating or unhealthy body image.
Why Back-to-School Season Can Be a Risk Point
The transition from summer to the school year often comes with:
- New routines around meals, snacks, and activity levels
- Social comparison in peer groups, especially after a summer apart
- Increased academic and extracurricular pressure
- Greater exposure to social media and appearance-based comments
- Heightened awareness of clothing fit with new school clothes or uniforms
For some students, these changes can trigger increased body dissatisfaction, restrictive eating, over-exercising, or other unhealthy coping behaviors.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
Not every change in eating or exercise is cause for alarm, but certain patterns can signal a deeper struggle. Be on the lookout for:
- Changes in eating habits — skipping meals, eating alone, or sudden changes in food preferences
- Increased talk about weight, shape, or dieting
- Withdrawal from friends, activities, or family meals
- Rigid exercise routines that feel more compulsive than enjoyable
- Mood changes — irritability, anxiety, or sadness that seem linked to food or body image
- Clothing concerns — avoiding certain clothes, wearing oversized clothing, or seeming distressed about fit
How Parents Can Check In
If you notice certain changes, approach your child with curiosity and compassion — not judgment or lectures. Some ways to connect:
- Ask open-ended questions
- “How are you feeling about being back at school?”
- “How are things going with friends at lunch or in PE?”
- Share observations without blame
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been skipping breakfast lately — is something making it hard to eat in the mornings?”
- Keep mealtimes positive
- Avoid body talk and focus on connection, not criticism.
- Model a balanced approach
- Show through your own actions that all foods fit, bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and movement should feel good, not punishing.
When to Seek Help
If you see ongoing signs of distress — especially if your child is losing weight, seems preoccupied with food or exercise, or is withdrawing socially — it’s important to reach out to a professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery.
Consider contacting:
- A pediatrician or primary care provider
- A therapist who specializes in eating disorders or adolescent mental health
- A registered dietitian with experience in youth and eating concerns
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school transitions can be exciting, but they can also be challenging — especially when it comes to body image and eating patterns. By staying attentive and creating open lines of communication, parents can help their children navigate this time with confidence, resilience, and a healthy sense of self.