Sexualization of Early Childhood

Blog Assignment: Week 6 This week we studied the sexualization of early childhood. I struggle with this topic. It is very frustrating to me when I shop for my daughter. She is three years old and I find many of the clothes to be inappropriate. When my oldest son was in preschool, I volunteered to help. Many of the four year old girls had on jeans and many of them had exposed bottoms when they sat down due to the “lowrider” style. I have noticed this when shopping for my daughter and I even saw “lowrider” underwear in a size 4 for little girls. How inappropriate!!! ************** I do feel that children are exposed to ideas of sexuality at an early age. Shows for children (iCarly, Victorious, etc.) have young girls and boys. While they may not breech the topic of sex, suggestions are very visible. From a dancing bra to couple groping, it is on television and in children’s shows. Even cartoons, such as Phineas and Ferb, have boyfriend/girlfriend issues and often have references to being “hot”. ************** Another problem that I have noticed within the last few weeks (in our local area) that is loosely related to the sexualization of early childhood is the increase in the number of teachers being caught having inappropriate relations with students. This is disturbing to me. Is this related to the sexualization of children? I believe that it probably is, since youth is being viewed as sexual and sexually ready at an early, early age. Some teenage girls are also wearing clothing that is exposing too much and some boys are wearing pants that show their underwear. I do not think that these children are “asking for” these inappropriate actions, but it may make them a target for inappropriate behaviors. ************** The misinterpretation of the ideas of sexuality in early childhood may be due to the fact that preschoolers are not yet clear about what actually makes them a boy or girl and their expected role in society (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Growing up, my mom talked about being “thin” with her friends. Very young, I wanted to be thin and had a very unrealistic view of how to become thin. As a parent, I try desparately to teach healthy habits and a love of exercise. Since I am a Type 1 diabetic, it is crucial that I exercise and eat right. However, I try not to talk about my frustrations with my own body image. This is one area that I think children do pick up on and if they are too young to process these “good or bad body images” it can lead to unhealthy habits or unrealistic expectations. Growing up, one of my friends was considered “chubby”. She wanted to be desired by the boys and started being sexually active very early because it made her feel wanted and desired. “Both boys and girls are routinely exposed to images of sexual behavior devoid of emotions, attachment, or consequences. They learn that sex is the defining activity in relationships, to the exclusion of love and friendship” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 3). What is the solution? I think that in many cases, it is important to teach children to respect themselves as individuals. A positive self-esteem is important. ************* By reading the resources this week, I learned that many of the stories are similar. I truly believe that a positive self-image is important. Children must learn to love themselves in order to respect themselves enough to know the facts about sexuality and their own sexual actions. ********************* Children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2). I think that parents talking to children about sex is important. I wish I knew a solution to this problem, but I think that as an early childhood educator, we must teach children to value themselves and how to respect others. ********************

“The reason I say this is actually very simple: just become an approachable parent on all matters sexual. That's it. If you take it upon yourself to speak honestly, lovingly, and on a regular basis with your child about the sexualized world around her, you will help her make sense of it, help her to put it into an understandable context, and help her to counter any potential negative consequences to all this exposure. As parents we can't hide our children in the closet. The world is sexually complicated for all children but our job is not to run away from it. Rather, we need to make sure we speak, listen, and guide our children every day so they can make sense of their sexualized world. Remember two very important facts: One, your voice as a parent IS more powerful than your child's peers and the media; and two, talking about sex and sexuality with your child will NOT increase their interest in sex; only help them act more responsibly. It really is this simple.” (Kaeser, 2011).

**************These comments represent many of my own ideas on what is important when dealing with sexualization of our youth. It is important to be honest. It is important to be up front and open to questions. We need to work with parents and know that children watch our daily moves. By teaching positive self-worth, answering questions when they arise and not avoiding them, early childhood educators can help promote a world where children respect themselves and make educated choices. **************************References *********Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. The National Association for the Education of Young Children. Washington, D.C. **********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). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf ***********************Kaeser, F. (2011). What Your Child Needs to Know About Sex (And When). Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-your-child-needs-know-about-sex-and-when/201109/the-super-sexualization-children-time-take