Navigating self-harm and eating disorders in our children and teens
If our child starts to develop a self-destructive behaviour, it can feel devastating that the individual we know and love so much is in such pain. How can we parent our children for faith even as they go through such dark times?
For an episode of the Parenting for Faith podcast, Lucy chatted to Dr Olúṣẹ̀yẹ Àríkàwé, a GP and founder of A Word for Her website, which connects medical facts to God’s truth.
Sẹ̀yẹ shared encouragement from her perspective as GP, mum and Christian. She gave practical steps to take if our children are suffering, as well as spiritual wisdom: nuggets we can cling to when we are navigating these dark seasons of parenting.
Speaking with expert insights into the medical side of eating disorders and self-harm, as well as a strong belief in the power of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to change lives, Seye talks about the medical help available, what early signs we might be looking for and how to navigate these issues if they’ve arisen.
Towards the end of this episode, Seye mentioned seven declarations that we can use ourselves and with our children to embed our identity as God’s dearly-beloved children. These are:
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139)
“I am the apple of his eye” (Psalm 17:8)
“I am a masterpiece” (Ephesians 2:10) – created in Christ to do good works
“I am created for God’s pleasure” (Revelation 4:11)
“I am God’s handiwork” (Ephesians 2:10, different translation)
“I am created in God’s image” (Genesis 1:27)
“I am created for God’s glory” (Isaiah 43:7)
Links:
- Seye’s website A Word for Her
- Follow Seye on Instagram
- Grab the free printable resources Seye mentioned in the episode
Links from the episode:
- Check out Sẹ̀yẹ’s website A Word for Her
- Follow Seye @ A Word for Her on Instagram
- Grab the free printable resources Seye mentioned in the episode
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