A leading cause in eating disorders among youth stems from poor self-esteem.   The parents own body image perception of himself sets the example to his child.   A child with a parent struggling with dieting, self-image, or eating disorders is more likely to develop an eating disorder himself.   When a diet-obsessed parent constantly complains about his weight, children inevitably think about diet and weight themselves (Natenshon).   Parents characterize food as "good" or "bad" and tell their children not to eat as much; instead of promoting healthiness, children are pressured to maintain thinness.   Parents, inadvertently demoralize a child's self esteem with comments about weight, diet, and exercise.   The beginning stages of poor body image evolve as early as the age of five, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.   A child inescapably defines the standard of what a normal person looks like through what is seen on television or by what a parent says and does; therefore, children generally develop thought patterns and standards through observations.  

            Children hear conflicting ideas constantly from parents, and while the job of parenting is difficult, parents must be careful about the example they set and the words that they say to their children. A few examples of what parents need to watch out for are as follows:

• Obsessing over health food and neglecting all junk food may lead a child to over indulge in junk food.  
• Children think self worth is based on looks when parents obsess over weight and appearance.  
• Misconceptions about the use of food forms when parenets use food as punishment, reward, or comfort.  
• When parents tell their child to eat less instead of eating healthier, children become more susceptible to skip meals and eventually developing an eating disorder.
• When parents make the slightest comments about gaining a couple of pounds or celebrating because the loss of a few pounds, children base personal appearance on thinness.