In this special episode, my friend Karla and I discussed the impacts of living with an eating disorder while being a parent. As someone who struggled with an eating disorder while raising my children, I shared how it affected every aspect of not only my life but my children's lives. 

I talked about how my disordered behaviours and thoughts around food and exercise were unintentionally passed on to my kids. I put pressure on them to eat "perfectly healthy" and never made time to just relax and enjoy them. I was constantly anxious and busy pursuing an unrealistic standard of parenting, failing to set a healthy example.  

Karla related to these experiences as well. We acknowledged feeling guilty but knew we simply did the best we could with limited resources at the time. The eating disorder lens warped our worldview, making it difficult to see the effects on our kids. We encouraged any parents with eating disorders to seek help, for their families’ sake, but not place additional shame on themselves.  

The conversation shifted to how recovery has transformed our relationships with our kids. No longer controlled by food rules, we can now be fully present with them, whether that’s sharing a meal, talking openly, or letting down façades of perfection. We have deeper connections rooted in vulnerability and humanity. It was so freeing to give them “permission” to support us in our struggle while also embracing their own imperfections.

Overall, Karla and I wanted this discussion to highlight the incredibly far reach of eating disorders into parenting and the hope for repaired relationships with recovery. Our children deserve a mum who shows up fully for them, something impossible in the depths of illness. But healing is possible and so worth pursuing.

Connect with Karla

Karla Manzanilla

Contacto

Tel +1(818)6141613

Email [email protected]

Webpage www.karlamanzanilla.com

Instagram: @Kar_manz

Facebook www.facebook.com/1KarlaManzanilla

Youtube:@karlamanzanilla

Podcast:Te con Manzanilla

https://open.spotify.com/episode/61vrRM0C3GkZgLfPyQBDhS?si=084da5b1c6b64e9a

Engage With Me

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Whether you're on your own journey or supporting someone through theirs, share your experiences and tips with us. Together, we can create a supportive community that celebrates each step towards recovery.

Website Juliatrehane.com

Email [email protected]

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliatrehane?igsh=MTZ1