Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The area of the world that I chose to focus on is the continent of Africa, specifically, the country of Madagascar. I chose this region because there are many factors that can have an impact on children and their development. 

Children in this region of the world are confronting many challenges. One challenge is environmental challenges such as natural disasters, drought, flooding, torrential rain, climate change, exposure to pollution, and limited access to clean water. Another challenge children are facing is malnutrition. Malnourishment causes stunting and severe muscle wasting. Children are also exposed to and contract diseases such as dengue fever, measles, malaria, polio, and seasonal pneumonic plague. Finally, children confront the challenges of child labor, child marriage, poverty, violence, sexual exploitation, child prostitution, and restricted access to education. Education for children with disabilities can be especially difficult because of lack of access to schools, financial resources, and supports. 

These challenges and experiences can have an effect on children's emotional well-being and development. The environmental challenges could lead to sickness, disease, and even displacement due to flooding and torrential rain. Limited access to clean water can lead to dehydration and lack of sanitation and hygiene. Malnourishment not only causes stunting and severe muscle wasting, but also causes lack of nutrients and nutrition, and can even cause death. Diseases lead to lack of energy, weight loss, sickness, and death, especially with limited access to doctors and medicine. All of these challenges can affect children socially, mentally, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. They have a negative impact on children, their well-being, and their development. 

I gained insights while learning about this country and region of the world. From a personal perspective, an insight I gained is how fortunate my children and I are. We have access to electricity, clean water, food, and good schools. While the weather in Ohio can be strange at times, we do not experience such extreme weather and environmental challenges like the children in Madagascar face. We are also fortunate to have access to doctors and medicine. From a professional perspective, an insight I gained is how important it really is to get to know the children we are working with and their families. This will help us learn about their experiences, culture, and any challenges they have faced or are currently facing. I think the biggest insight of all, is not to take anything for granted. 

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

The sexualization of children is a worrisome topic. Children should be riding bikes, playing with their friends, and playing with toys. Instead, they are being exposed to images and messages about sex at an early age (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). I think the sexualization of children confuses them and makes them grow up way too fast. Things are so much different now from when I was a child. I want my own children to be kids as long as possible. I want them to have a childhood, not grow up too fast. 

One example that illustrates the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment is social media. Children have access to apps such as Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, Snapchat, and Tik Tok. Not only can they send messages and pictures to others, but they can also view pictures and videos that other people post. They are exposed to dances, challenges, and some children even experience bullying. My oldest son has a cell phone, but I monitor what he does on it. I have an app on my own phone that sends me notifications and asks permissions about apps and websites he is on. 

A second example that illustrates the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment is clothing, particularly, clothing for girls. Shorts, dresses, and skirts are becoming shorter, and shirts are becoming more revealing. The message seems to be to dress "sexy" or expose skin. I remember going shopping last spring/summer to get my then 7 year old some new clothes. I had a heck of a time finding shirts that were appropriate for her because they had so many crop tops and thin, little spaghetti strap tank tops! 

A final example that illustrates the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment is musicians and their songs and music videos. Some song lyrics can be suggestive. The dancing, clothing, and behavior in some music videos can be inappropriate, especially for a child. Children may imitate what they are seeing, especially if it is one of their favorite singers or bands. 

This could have implications on children's healthy development. Children's sense of self and identity could be impacted because they think this is how they should be and this is normal. It could also impact "children's understanding of gender, sexuality, and relationships" (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 3). It could affect them socially and mentally. Children could form an unhealthy idea of themselves, others, and the world around them. 

I could respond to these concerns to reduce the negative impact on children by teaching children the importance of being yourself and being true to who you are. I think it is also important for children to have someone they can talk to or confide in about their feelings and questions. This could help to improve their understanding and awareness, as well as their identity. 

Studying this topic this week has raised my awareness of the sexualization of early childhood. There is so much exposure, even in things you would not think of. As a mother of four children, I want them to remain kids and not have to grow up so quickly. I want to protect them and keep them safe. It is scary to realize that they are exposed to so much and the impact it could have on their development. 

References 

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids. (pp. 1-8). Ballantine Books. Retrieved from http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

Isms can influence one's well-being emotionally, physically, and cognitively. 

If I was experiencing isms in my own personal life, this could have consequences on the children and families I work with. 

One consequence would be my communication. If I was experiencing isms I may not be as open in my communication. I may also be short with my communication and more quiet than I normally am. 

A second consequence would be my attitude or behavior. I am a positive person with a positive attitude. If I was experiencing isms, I would be more stressed out and upset. Because of this, I think I would not be as positive or not as patient because I would be worrying and in my own head about what was going on in my personal life. 

An example that goes along with both of these consequences is- after a conversation with a coworker who just does not understand my classroom, I was very upset. I was more quiet for the remainder of the school day, and my interactions with my students were less because I was upset. I let his opinion and stereotype affect the rest of my day, my communication and behavior, and my interactions with my students. 

When we experience isms, it can be difficult to get past them. Not only can them impact us, but those around us as well.