Parenting Personas - Handling an E.D With Better Carer Characteristics

Are you a parent or carer dealing with the presence of an eating disorder in your home this festive season?

You’ve probably heard of the Maudsley approach in eating disorder care, and if you have, you may well know that the team devised a clear set of animal personas, which it relates to the style of parenting / caring often shown toward those with eating disorders.

If you’re seeing more of someone struggling with the illness over the festive period, you might well see some merit in a quick refresher about what these styles are, and why some are less helpful in recovery support than others:

The Jellyfish –

Cannot regulate emotions. Transparent in their distress and anger. Often in a ‘sea of emotion’ and can exert a poisonous sting when mirroring the sufferer.

The Ostrich –

Prefers to put head in the sand. Finds it hard to cope. Gives the sufferer the suggestion that hiding emotions is the best thing to do.

The Kangaroo –

Treats sufferer with kid gloves, effectively placing the sufferer in their ‘pouch’ out of harm’s way.  The sufferer cannot learn how to help themselves.

The Rhinoceros –

Attempts to convince and persuade by creating argument and confrontation. Often angry and stressed, which creates stress and angst in sufferer.

The Terrier –

Persistent and constantly attempts to cajole sufferer and relentlessly nags. Can cause the sufferer to feel exhausted and unable to form their own identity.

The Dolphin –

Gently nudges while swimming alongside and in front. Allows the sufferer to gain confidence and trust and to feel that they can cope in life’s unpredictable ocean.

The St Bernard –

Warm and compassionate, helping the sufferer process their pain. Trustworthy and reliable, always delivering hope.

We'd love to know if you found this helpful or can relate. Do get in touch and share your experiences.