Back-to-School Caregiver Tips for Teens in Eating Disorder Recovery
Blog Post by Rock Recovery Therapist Victoria Wendell, MA
Transitioning into the school year with an eating disorder can feel daunting, but with preparation, teamwork, and compassion, it can also be an opportunity for growth. Recovery is not about being perfect; it’s about showing up, nourishing yourself, and practicing resilience day by day.
As a parent or caregiver to a teen recovering from an eating disorder, it’s just as important for you to be well-equipped and well-prepared to support your teen in times of transition. Here are a few tips to help guide you through your support journey.
1. Create a Meal Schedule that Sets Kids Up for Success
Why It Matters: Consistent nutrition is the foundation for focus, mood stability, and recovery progress. Skipping meals (especially breakfast and lunch) can quickly lead into a spiral or restriction and potentially harmful physical symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, irritability).
Caregiver Tips:
Your teen likely needs accountability, so it is okay to be that!
Sit down together with your teen and plan a predictable daily rhythm - eating disorders thrive in lack of structure. Plan out a routine for having breakfast in the morning, lunch at school, and dinner at home, even making sure to incorporate planned time for snacks in between.
Practice lunches ahead of time if particular foods feel scary. If cafeteria food feels overwhelming, you can also pack familiar options that will still meet nutritional needs.
Reinforce that fueling the body is fueling the brain, and that not eating with their peers may draw more unwanted attention.
2. Build an In-School Support Network
Why It Matters: Students with eating disorders often feel isolated or pressured to “look fine.” Having trusted adults at school creates safety nets.
Caregiver Tips:
Identify allies - school nurses, counselors, trusted teachers, or administrators.
Communicate proactively - share what’s helpful with trusted adults (ex: “Please check in if she skips lunch.” or “He may need a quiet space after meals.”).
Encourage your teen to know who these safe adults are so they don’t feel alone if a tough moment arises.
3. Effectively Navigate School Schedules and Appointments
Why It Matters: Balancing recovery care (therapy, medical appointments, meal support) with school demands takes planning and flexibility. However, overall, your teen’s health and safety should be the top priority.
Caregiver Tips:
Normalize appointments as a normal part of healthcare - just as kids miss class for orthodontist visits, eating disorder treatment is essential healthcare.
Advocate early - connect with teachers about accommodations (late arrivals, excused absences, flexible deadlines).
Help your child prioritize balance over perfection. Missing a class for therapy does not mean they are “falling behind,” it means they are protecting long-term well-being.
4. Empower Your Child Through Recovery
Why It Matters: Adolescents crave independence, yet recovery requires structure and accountability. Finding a middle ground builds trust and resilience.
Caregiver Tips:
You need to be their support and accountability go-to, yet they crave autonomy and agency. As such, you can offer choices within structure. For example: “Would you rather pack your snack tonight or in the morning?”
Encourage your teen to voice what helps them most at school, then follow through wherever possible.
Celebrate non-academic wins - recognize when they speak kindly to themselves, reach out for help, or complete a full lunch.
Remember - your teen’s recovery belongs to them. Each meal, each coping skill, each ask for help is a step toward freedom.
5. Ask for Help and Recognize Resources
Why It Matters: Both caregivers and adolescents need a team approach, as recovery is not a solo project.
Caregiver Tips:
Model help-seeking. For example: “I feel unsure about how to support your lunches at school, so I’m going to ask your dietitian.”
Remind your child that needing support models strength, not weakness.
Keep a list of contacts handy - your teen’s therapist, dietitian, pediatrician, school nurse, or support group contacts.
Remember, you are not doing this alone, and there are resources out there to help you on this journey. Rock Recovery offers individual therapy for adolescents aged 10 and up, and offers an in-person Teen Bridge to Life body image therapy support group that helps teens aged 14-18 navigate disordered eating recovery, body acceptance, identity development, and more. Please reach out to Rock Recovery if you are ever in need of support, and remember, your teen is always welcome here!
Victoria Wendell, MA
Therapist, Rock Recovery
About the Author: Victoria Wendell, MA is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia and obtained her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in 2023. Victoria is passionate about offering evidence-based, client-centered, and creative approaches to therapy, as well as providing psychoeducation and support to communities aimed towards prevention of eating disorders and combating the stigma surrounding food and body image. She provides virtual individual therapy to residents of Virginia and in-person individual therapy to residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC. She also leads Rock Recovery’s in-person Teen Bridge to Life body image therapy group.