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ASKOur children are getting younger and younger...
I've been listening to the news, reading books about how each generation develops faster than the previous generation (whether this is real or perceived).
We've all heard the scary stuff---our kids are hearing & learning about sex earlier than we ever did, they are exposed to more violence and drugs as well.
However...did you know that our little darlings are also developing body image issues and eating disorders at a younger age, too?! Can you imagine your sweet little 6 year old son/daughter coming home from school, saying that they feel fat and need to go on a diet?!!!
In numerous studies, published in peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Adolescent Health and Journal of Eating Disorders), the numbers tell us that anywhere from 30%-45% of girls in 1st through 3rd grade want to be thinner. I am also quite certain that this is not a female-only phenomenon; boys are also worried about being "too fat".
I ran across a new book for young children called, "Full Mouse, Empty Mouse" (www.fmem.net). This book discusses healthy eating in an age-appropriate manner, and helps educate our kids on what it's like to "feel full" or "feel hungry" (and not just eat out of boredom or sadness, as many of us sometimes do!). The book also talks about "mindful eating", which is the process of thinking about your food, eating slowly, enjoying it with all of your senses (taste, sight, sound, smell and touch).
I thought this book was a great idea, as it also gives me another reason to not be frustrated when my toddler takes an hour to eat his dinner; half of the food does not end up in his mouth. Now, I can just tell myself that he is "mindfully eating" and enjoying the food with all of his senses..including the way it feels on the top of his cute little bald head! :-)
In all seriousness, I thought this was an important topic to discuss with those of us who are parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and caretakers of young children. We can help correct or redirect our loved ones' negative comments about their bodies with more positive comments, and there are books out there to help you in this endeavor.
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Brazil has one of the highest rates of cosmetic plastic surgery performed in the world. That tall and tanned beauty on the beach of Ipanema statistically would have had help.
Spain led the move in the fashion world to ban waifs on the runway. Now, if NYC and Paris would make a concerted effort to follow suit - not simply lip service - and teeny bopper rock stars would stop trying to emulate early Madonna, we just might be able to get our little girls into a healthier attitude toward their body image.
Somehow, Miss America and America Ferrera just aren't reaching enough of our little girl's heads!
A move in the right direction:
September 19, 2008 - 4:38pmThe skinny at New York Fashion Week: Eating disorders still a worry.
This Comment
I know this isn't happening at Kindergarten level but it is becoming more common that girls at the age of 17 or 18 are breast implants, nose jobs or other cosmetic procedures as graduation gifts.
Obviously it's their own business and I come from no place of judgment but something about it makes me feel like Mom and Dad need to work harder to reassure their daughters that a B cup is not a flaw and bump on the nose is not something like needs to be fixed so that they can fit in. We need to accept our 'imperfections', as someone wrote beautifully, the other day.
And our bodies change from age 18 through college. More time and thought should maybe given to these surgeries, that are, of course, medical procedures with all the risks that go along with that.
September 19, 2008 - 2:42pmI agree Alison (and Alysia, yeah, got my Angry on again regarding child beauty pageants, thanks a lot!! ). I also think it's important as mothers not to talk about feeling fat or looking 'gross' in our clothes in front of our kids, especially our daughters. Children mimic everything!
We need to talking about feeling good and healthy, not about how big we think we look in our jeans. It's little wonder I have heard some moms talk about how their preschoolers talk about looking fat in such-and-such an outfit. Looking good is important to us (or at least to me) but feeling good is better!
April 2, 2008 - 2:01pmIt should come as no great surprise that children are developing body image issues at an earlier age when their "role models" are that much younger, or little girls in beauty contests at age 5 (or younger) are made up like 20-somethings and taught to dance provocatively.
Kids are influenced by what adults say, then turn it around on each other. Get inside the heads of the adult influencers and you'll understand where all this madness begins. Kids aren't dolls for parents to live out their fantasy lives vicariously. It's okay to allow a little play acting; but, there's such a thing as allowing it to go to the point at which reality becomes blurred.
April 1, 2008 - 7:46pmWow! Thanks for this post. I even notice negative self-image in my sons, even though I am a holistic nutritionist! It's crazy how peer and media pressure can infiltrate even the best-intentioned moms!
Ironically, this Thursday at 2pm CENTRAL time, I will be interviewing Nancy Amanda Redd, author of Body Dramam on my radio show, A Balanced Life with Beth Aldrich. We will be discussing body issues, eating disorders and the like. You can listen online at www.ContactTalkRadio.com (my website is www.ForHerInformation.com, which you can link to the show from there). The show airs on KRWN 106.9 FM HD-3 in Seattle, or online.
CALL in and join the discussion at 877-230-3062; I'd love to have your input.
Thank You!
April 1, 2008 - 5:03pmBeth Aldrich