Episode 96: A Fathers Journey Through Anorexia and Back with Kevin Olmstead

52 Weeks of Me

Kevin Olmsted resides with his wife and children in California where he was raised. He and his wife both had stable jobs in wine and technical respectively that enabled them to provide well for their family as well as save for vacations, trips, and special occasions. But after 23 years of wine selling, he had to stay home to take care of their child who had displayed symptoms of eating disorder.
Highlights:

• The symptoms: Their child who used to be a very active and achieving athlete suddenly became withdrawn, and secretive and dramatically lost 30 pounds in two months.
• The gold standard: Addressing the problem takes one or both parents doing it hands-on and at home.
• The decision: Since the family could live well enough with what his wife was earning, he decided to be the one to stay home for their anorexic child.
• The mental shift of perspective: Even his anorexic child encouraged him to write a book to help other families with the same or similar struggles.
• The need for a support system: It is important to be in a community that understands what you are going through and where you could give and take the necessary support.

What he went through in the last three years and a half is written in his book Scared Dad Feeding. It is not only a record of his experiences but also a way of educating and encouraging other families who might need guidance as they take care of their children who also struggle with the symptoms of anorexia.
One pressing point he wants to get across is that parents should jump to addressing it right away before it is too late.
For more information and guidance, look him up on the following platforms:
https://www.scareddadfeeding.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinolmsted

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52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
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