The lifespan from age 6 years to approximately 12 years is
often referred to as the school-age years. During this timeframe, children are impacted significantly
developmentally and physiologically.
Children become more mature physically as their bodies grow into
adolescents. They also begin to
mature mentally, spiritually, and socially. School-aged child are becoming increasingly independent,
however fears still exist.
An online dictionary (2013) defines fear as the distressing
emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, or pain, whether the threat is real
or imagined. During the
maturation, the child begins to loose some of the preschooler fears and develop
new fears. During this stage,
normal development events include a variety of anxiety symptoms. These include a fear of the dark,
excessive worry about past behavior, self-consciousness, social withdrawal, and
an excessive need for reassurance (2011).
Many children have fears relating to school and families and
fear failing and being bullied.
Because of these fears, body image becomes important during the school
age years. Children “evaluate how
their physical appearance, body configuration, and coordination compare with
those of their peers” and emulate others, especially those in the media (2011).
The image is a demonstration of a child’s altered perception
of their body image. Hockenberry and Wilson state that “children are aware of
physical disabilities in others, and it is not unusual for them to believe that
their own bodies are not the right size or the right shape or are in some way
defective” (2011). In the image, the syringe is symbolic of a child looking at themselves. Although the syringe is looking into the
mirror, the perception is altered. Therefore, the reflection displays a larger syringe looking back.
Hockenberry and Wilson (2011) suggests that adults involved with the children should discuss their fears individually or through group activities. Although the fears may seem simple and silly, child need to know that their concerns are heard, understood, and respected. Being ridiculed may only incline the child to hide their fears for the fear of being labeled a "baby" or "chicken". By hiding their fears, it only develops displaced fears and even phobias.
References
Fear. (2013). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fear
Hockenberry, M. J., &
Wilson, D. (2011). Wong's nursing care of infants and children. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby/Elsevier.
Hey Ginny! Very great article and image to portray this lesson- very creative! I distinctly remember comparing myself to others in my classes growing up, and I’m sure all of us have!
ReplyDeleteSomething I found interesting that you mentioned, as well as the book, is that it’s very unfortunate that children of this category are inclined to keep fears and concerns bottled up and hidden from those around them, especially parents and adults. One reason these insecurities can arise is media, and how people their age are acting.
With my young nieces, I see how they try to act like the girls in many of the Disney Channel shows. I remember taking one of my 10 year old niece shopping and how all of the clothes for her age group were very revealing and almost trashy looking, something I would NEVER buy her, let alone any of my own children some day. I couldn’t help but feel that these are NOT appropriate at all for this age group; these clothes were trying to make them appear older then this age group. Of course these images and clothing are going to cause problems because their bodies are not fully developed right at this point, and not many young girls look like these young actresses. She said something though that caught my attention. She said how she doesn’t feel as fashionable or as “nice” looking as some of the other girls in her school. What do you say to something like that!?! I told her that I thought she was gorgeous and not to worry what others think becuase I'm sure the other girls feel the same way. I was thankful and surprised that she was able to tell me this, however I am not really an authority figure to her since I am a younger aunt and not her parents.
It is important that parents are taught how to look and listen for these insecurities and anxieties of comparing themselves with others. By helping them understand to their body image now, this may cause fewer problems in the future as they reach their teenage years.
I was very intrigued at your individual take on childhood fears. To be perfectly honest, I had to read your post a few times because I wanted to make sure I fully wrapped my head around your comparison and your views.
ReplyDeleteI also can remember struggling through several years of school because of the reasons you both have mentioned. My family struggled to make ends meet, so most of my clothes and what not were handed down through my 3 older cousins and then through my older sister and then to me… I can vividly remember so many instances where people at school would pick on me and talk about me behind my back when I would walk by; however, it was always loud enough that I could hear it!
I know from first hand experiences that it is so important for the parents to be involved and in tune with their children in regards to how they view themselves and how they’re doing in school and so on. I have never really looked on from your perspective, but reflecting back on my childhood, I can honestly say this will always be my greatest childhood fear and will always have a lasting effect on me. Although I encountered many struggles through my school years, my parents were always there to support me, and I can honestly say I am a better person for everything I have overcome. Since graduating high school, I haven’t looked back!
Your reference to school-age children’s fears of their own body image makes me wonder where those fears could have stemmed from and what we as nurses can do to be sensitive to those fears. I have found that recent studies are being conducted to determine whether there is maternal transmission of body image to their child. The concerns that have led to these studies involve the health and psychological risks that are influenced by a child’s poor body image. Children, girls in particular, have fears of being fat and view dieting as a way to lose weight and not as a reason to be healthy (Gorman, 2007). Aside from media’s influence on body image for thin women and muscled men, children are shown to be effected by body image closer to home. Mothers are models and direct communicators of how their children will perceive themselves (Gorman, 2007). Parents who were dissatisfied with their own body image reflected poor health habits and were more likely to make direct comments about their child’s weight (Gorman, 2007).
ReplyDeleteAs nurse’s it is important to notice the fears children are having about their own self image and to be sensitive to those fears and educate them in proper health habits. The study conducted by Carolyn Gorman aims to find the outside influences children have starting at a young age in hopes to redirect and educate children and families on those fears and ways they can be fixed. Finding and solving the problem early on will aid in preventing the possible long-term effects of social isolation and low self esteem.
Gorman, C. (2007). Maternal transmission of body image in school-aged children . Undergraduate Review ,3(6), 15-19. Retrieved from http://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1050&context=undergrad_rev
Great post Ginny. I thought your photo was very creative and original. I think you had some great points in your post. One comment that stuck with me is about children comparing themselves to the media. I think this is a very big problem in our society and it needs to be taken seriously. Images portrayed in the media are not accurate and give children false perceptions about body image. School aged children are very easily influenced by what they see on the internet or TV. Due to their mental and emotional immaturity that comes with this age they can easily be convinced that the bodies they see on TV is how everyone should look. Children should not base their idea of beauty off of images that are highly altered to hide flaws. Obsessing over body image can lead children to have serious problems such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
ReplyDeleteChildren at this age are most likely confused and afraid of what is going on with their bodies. There are many changes occurring and children may be confused as to what is going on, or they don’t know what to expect. Many kids are embarrassed to discuss this topic with their parents or other trusted adults. It is important that parents and teachers are open with children about what bodily changes they may experience. As these transformations occur children will most likely compare their bodies to those of their peers. Not every child matures at the same time or rate and this can lead to even more confusion.
As nurses it is important that we provide education to our patients. We can educate children and their parents about the type of changes they should expect during adolescence. Being knowledgeable and prepared for these differences in body shape and function may make them less stressful. Another way that we can help as nurses is to just be a trusted adult figure that children can talk to. School nurses have many opportunities to help children go through this difficult stage of life. They are knowledgeable staff and children usually associate a safe, open relationship with them.
Ginny, great post about childhood fear! As I think back to my school aged years, I can definitely relate to this fear. I can remember having the class line up according to height and I would compare myself to my peers. Not only was I one of the smallest girls in the class, I was the shortest. I felt that I was not up to par with the average height or with the other children. I also had a fear of what I would look like grown up and if I would continue to be shorter than everyone. It seems so silly now, but at the time it was a real worry. Children, especially girls, at this age do tend to be self-conscious and embarrassed to talk about their insecurities. Luckily, my family and I were very close that I became confident in the body I was growing up in and didn't suffer from it.
ReplyDeleteThese days, I think that the media with the nation’s “standard” of beauty fuels insecurities in school aged children in many ways. Today, children are becoming more and more technologically savvy and are starting to have cell phones at a very young age. Not only just a phone, but smart phones are becoming more and more common. This allows school aged children, especially girls to be exposed to the media and what is considered to be “beautiful” or “cool.” Whether it is the current fashion, makeup, or weight, girls are more prone to be insecure with how they look because they see something else on TV, in a magazine, or even in their school. Instead of addressing the issue, young girls may try extreme measures such as anorexia, bulimia, or shoplifting new clothes to fit in. This is just not right. Although we cannot instantly change the portrayal of women in society and young girls on TV shows, we can advocate for all types of beauty. As nurses, we can encourage healthy practices and stress the importance of confiding in someone during hard times. Also, as nurses we need to be on the look-out when caring for this school-age population. We can keep our eyes and ears peeled to see if children are dealing with being bullied or are uncomfortable with their body image. Overall, education and awareness is key. The Dove Campaign is a great example of an effort to change the cookie cutter definition of beauty. We as nurses and leaders can continue to support efforts like this and reach out to those suffering physically or psychologically.
Wow great post! This is one of the less obvious fears of school aged children but one of the most important to address because their perception of themselves is something they will carry with them for the rest of their life. School aged children are around peers most of the time and therefore this is the basis off which they compare themselves. I think even as adults we can all relate to the fact that how we view ourselves is not always a very accurate picture of how we really are. This is the exact same for kids and I would agree that not dismissing these thoughts but instead addressing them are the better way to approach this situation. In order to ease the child of any self-conscious worries we must first understand exactly how they perceive themselves because each child thinks so differently. After understanding their way of thinking we can intervene and explain that those thoughts are illogical. I really appreciate you bringing up this topic and also the creativity behind the picture.
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