Parenting with body-focused repetitive behaviors is one of the most complex challenges — and manageable with the right support and strategies.
The Truth About Parenting with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Children of parents with body-focused repetitive behaviors are at higher genetic and environmental risk — this is real. But parental body-focused repetitive behaviors that is acknowledged and managed has far less impact than body-focused repetitive behaviors that is denied.
Practical Strategies for Parenting with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Prioritize body-focused repetitive behaviors treatment: You cannot pour from an empty cup
- Repair well: When body-focused repetitive behaviors affects your parenting, the repair conversation matters more than the mistake
- Build village: Enlist other trusted adults so your children have support beyond you
- Maintain structure: Routine is especially stabilizing for children when parent has body-focused repetitive behaviors
Talking to Children About Your Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Age-appropriate honesty reduces children's self-blame (kids often think parental distress is their fault): 'Mommy/Daddy has a sickness that sometimes makes me feel sad/tired/worried. It's not your fault. I'm getting help.'