Job Flexibility When Caring for a Child with an Eating Disorder

If your child is at home (not inpatient) and requires supervision for meals and snacks, you may need flexibility from your employer.

Employers aren’t legally required to allow time off or remote work if you are a primary caregiver of a child with an ED, but there are options for making a request:

• Speak to your manager and HR: Explain your child’s diagnosis and the need for supervision. If you’re under an ED unit, request a letter confirming the diagnosis and recommending adjustments (e.g., home working or time off).

• Flexible working request: With 26 weeks’ continuous service, you can apply to change your hours or work location. Employers must consider this reasonably but can refuse for business reasons.

• Time off for dependants: You have a legal right to reasonable unpaid time off for emergencies involving a dependent, including a child with a health condition.

Please contact me to find out how coaching can support you as a parent of a child with anorexia or bulimia.

jane@janeholbrook.co.uk

Making Adjustments at Home During Your Child’s Recovery.

Supporting a child through recovery from an eating disorder often means making small but important changes at home. These adjustments can help reduce triggers, lower anxiety, and keep the focus on recovery. Here are some practical steps you might find helpful:

- Remove or cover mirrors

Body checking is a common and often obsessive behaviour in anorexia.

Removing full-length mirrors can reduce the urge to focus on body shape or size.

Consider replacing mirrors with uplifting artwork or prints that reflect your child’s personal goals and values.

- Hide tape measures

Measuring thighs, stomach, or other body parts can become a compulsive routine.

Keeping tape measures out of sight helps prevent repetitive behaviours that increase anxiety.

- Remove access to scales

Weight gain during recovery can be very distressing.

Blind weighing (where only the healthcare team knows the number) may ease some of this stress.

If necessary, hide or remove bathroom scales altogether.

- Manage mealtime environments

Eating already feels overwhelming.

Keep pets out of the dining space to avoid food being secretly passed to them as a form of avoidance.

Create a calm, structured setting to make meals feel more manageable.

Keep distractions such as colouring or card games nearby.

Please email me to book a free introduction call to talk about how coaching can support you as a parent of a young person with anorexia or bulimia.

jane@janeholbrook.co.uk

Being the Best Version of Yourself

A few weeks ago my daughter and I were talking about what helped her most when she was unwell….

….She told me that it was unconditional love from her family.

The illness made her feel so isolated and knowing that she was loved and we were on her side gave her comfort and helped her stay positive about getting better.

Looking back I know there were plenty of days when I was impatient, short tempered and angry at the illness and the daily impact it was having on our family’s lives.

My coaching gives parents a non judgemental and confidential time to talk through the challenges you are facing and supports you in identifying actions and resources to help you to:

• Stay motivated and steady, even when progress feels slow.

• Be consistent in your approach, giving your child a sense of safety and trust.

• Recognise and overcome the obstacles that make it hard to stay calm and positive.

• Manage your own stress and emotions.

• Stay calm and focused in order to give your child unconditional love and support.

Please get in touch for a confidential and free introduction call.