For Families

Parents and Caregivers

 

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) often affect not only the individual, but their family unit as well. For youth, BFRBs can be challenging due to developmental, social, and emotional factors. For parents and caregivers, understanding the role you play and how to respond effectively can make a difference in long-term outcomes for your child of any age.

Understanding the Your Teen’s Experience

BFRBs are not just habits. They are complex conditions that involve emotional and behavioral components. Youth may engage in these behaviors intentionally or outside of awareness, and may often experience strong urges that are difficult to control.

Youth with BFRBs may experience:

    • Shame, embarrassment, or fear of judgment
    • Temporary relief or soothing from the behavior
    • Frustration related to repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop

Families can aid in recovery by:

    • Learning about their child’s BFRB and treatment options
    • Communicating with empathy and curiosity
    • Encouraging professional help and participating in treatment when invited
    • Listening to your child’s feedback on a therapist to gauge treatment efficacy
    • Practicing patience: understanding that slip ups are common in long-term recovery

Families are encouraged to approach BFRBs as a shared challenge rather than an individual failure.

Communication Strategies

Family discussions about BFRBs can shape trust, support and outcomes.

 

Helpful approaches:

  • Keep lines of communication open to support their overall physical and emotional health
  • Ask open-ended questions (e.g., “How can I best support you?”)
  • Express support without pressure
  • Collaborate on ways to help

Approaches to avoid:

  • Directives such as “just stop”
  • Punishment or criticism
  • Frequent monitoring that may increase stress or shame

Creating a non-judgmental environment can reduce stigma and make it easier for your child to engage in treatment and support.

Guidance for Youth

Youth with a BFRB may benefit from communicating their needs clearly with parents/caregivers.

This may include:

    • Explaining what the behavior feels like
    • Identifying what responses are helpful vs. unhelpful
    • Requesting specific types of support (e.g., reminders, space, or check-ins)

Family Wellbeing

While it can feel overwhelming to care for someone with a BFRB, it’s important to take time to care for yourself. Supporting a loved one with a BFRB is an ongoing process that benefits from patience, education, and access to appropriate resources. This may look like:

    • Seeking out family support groups
    • Speaking with a mental health clinician
    • Engaging in self-care activities