The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Sexualization of early childhood over the years has been a concern for many persons who interacts with young children on a daily basis. This issue is one wherein calls for close observations to be done so as to plan effective strategies to alleviate the problem. Sexualization is wide, therefore, when I speak about thus I am not talking about the sex of the child of being a male or female but I am rather addressing that of the matter to which speaks about their sexuality on a hold. Within today's society it is seen that young girls and boys are being dressed a particular way that does not look childish, they are more fixed on looking like adults. For example girls are wearing a lot of make up as early as three to four years old.

From both my personal and professional experiences children who are exposed to highly sexualized environment execute adult behaviors and languages that are not suited for their age group. They also tend to behave as if they are above others talking to them. Second, whenever, I am presenting children with educational movies to view these children that are from such environment do not want to be a part of it. They tend to want to sit by themselves and do something else.

With all of this is in mind, I personally think that the implications that this may have on children's healthy development will be that of a negative one. This is so as these young children are growing up thinking that their actions are good and are self worthy but its rather not a good impression on their lives at all. To correct thus as an educator, I will have to sensitize the children about thus as well as speak with parents too about their children's actions.

Being aware of what is going on is key, the researcher has sensitize my thinking by postulating that it is important to acknowledge that there are variations in how children are affected by today's sexualized childhood based on their gender and racial , cultural and socio-economic group as well as their individual dispositions( Kilbourne, 2009). 

Reference

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 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

“Wait, she cannot be on the Literacy committee and she is not a senior teacher”.

These are the words of a senior educator at my place of work.

Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) states that classism is an attitude, action, or practice of an individual or institution, backed by societal power, that gives preferential treatment to or treats as superior those with more economic resources or higher social status and treats as inferior or denies access to those with fewer economic resources or less social status. With this in mind, its very evident to the way in which I have been treated due to the fact that I am a young educator at my my place of work. Nonetheless from thus, I have used it as an opportunity to teach my children to which I interact with each day that they are never to settle for mediocrity because beyond the sky is the limit for them.

Second, I have established to them that nothing in life is easy but with perseverance they are capable of accomplishing their set goals. Through such media they have compose a class motto that states ' Listen and you will learn a lot'. From reciting these words everyday, they have implored me that I am truly an advocate of change and I am to continue thriving for their success. For me, the whole concept of classism can be very uncomfortable but if I stay focus on what I am doing then I am able to create within me my own place of comfort and redeem myself to educate the nation's children. While for the children educating them about showing tolerance and acceptance from an early stage can help in their future development.

Reference 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and

ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC).

Observing Communication

I had the opportunity of observing a child and her mother and a lady at the park. The child was placed in the sand and water area while her mother was sitting on the bench talking with her friend. The focus was totally left off the child and they were just there busily talking. A little while off a cat came by and the child began playing and talking to the cat. Upon pulling the cat on the tail the cat retaliated by scratching the child on her hand. This made her cry out real loud. The mother hurried to her with her friend running along . "What is wrong, Moya?" she yelled. She replied, " the cat scratch me". Her mother replied, "Serve you right , I placed you to play in the sand and not with a stupid cat?" Moya as called by her mother began crying even more as she held down her head and began throwing the sand. Her mother went back and sit on the bench and began talking to her friend once more.
From thus observation, I have realized that this little girl was not given much attention and guidance as she ought to be getting because she looked like a four years old child. I have learned that our children need to be treated with love, they need to feel a sense of belonging. Secondly, they should not be left entirely on their own without proper supervision. Based upon what I have learn this week, the mother could have dealt with the matter in a much calmer and polite manner. Her use of language could have been kinder as well as she could have have sat more closer and guide her child while she spoke with her friend.
The communication interaction that I have observed  have affected the child in a negative manner because the mother insulted the child in a public place that was filled of different children and their families. It was obvious that emotionally the child was hurting as she held her head down. This in turn plays a negative posture on the child's self worth.
From what I have observed, I can state that my approach and interaction with children are totally different.  I always ensure that proper respect is given to children, the language communicated is warm, true and just. Children are not afraid of speaking to me because I create an atmosphere for them to feel free to express themselves openly.I therefore, need to continue being the calm, warm person that I am.

Creating AFfirming Environments

If I were to open my own Family Child Care Home, there would be a number of things that I would do to ensure that proper guidance, warmth and love is dispelled. First, I would ensure that it caters for different families and their beliefs, thus I would ensure that it displays a variety of materials that highlights different cultures so as to exercise and maintain an anti bias environment. Second, ensure that children are sensitized about other people's culture and practice so as to ensure that respect, love and honour is given to all. One way of doing thus is through storytelling. These crucial anti-bias tools introduce children to the love of reading as well as to human differences and similarities (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Third, is to create various play areas that depicts an anti bias free scene which is developmentally appropriate towards children's growth and development as independent individuals. This was strongly emphasized in Adriana's home care for example the area where she had the couch where children went that catered to their emotional needs (Laureate Education, Inc. 2011). Fourth, children must feel safe, loved, and nurtured to develop the basic trust they need for healthy development (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Therefore, the manner in which they are welcomed into my home care has to be outstanding. One way that I deem of doing such is to have different activities for them in the morning for example puppet show, sing along activities, games, manipulative activities for example, colouring, puzzles. Fifth, this aspect is very critical, having pictures displaying different family background. This aspect can be rotated so as to allow everyone to feel a sense of equality. Sixth, maintaining a safe environmental structure both in and outside of my family home care environment.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an
anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and
ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC).

We Don't Say those Words in Class

I cannot think of a specific time in life when I witnessed such incident. However, in talking to colleagues of mine one was capable of sharing an instance. She said that she has a child in her classroom who had the sickle cell disorder real bad wherein he had to wear braises on his legs. One day during play she heard two boys mocking him and called him a robot. She said instantly she intervened in the play activity and reprimanded the boys for doing such action and started to talk to them about why it was wrong to behave in such manner.

One message that was communicated to the boys that were mocking the little boy was that what they were doing was not a nice thing to do. Second, they were taught that it was not nice in letting others feel bad about themselves whether or not they have a n illness or not in life.

One way that an anti bias educator might have responded to support the child's or classroom understanding is by educating the children about the importance of not mocking others as some persons are easily intimidated and cannot facilitate such actions. Second, educate the children about the fact that in life some people were born with a number of health issues nonetheless, they should be treated with respect and given love and a warm welcome at all times.Third, within our class all is special therefore, we use kind words at all times when communicating with each other.

"Start Seeing Diversity Video" Blog: Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Being tolerant is an action that should be articulated from members of the society. This is so as we are living in a society that is diverse and uphold different beliefs, practices and values. Therefore, I would respond to a parent/family member who informed me that they did not want anyone who was perceived or reported to be a homosexual or transgenic to be caring for, educating or interacting with their child by stating to them that individuals who might or is pursuing such practices have a right to express their own beliefs. Secondly, its not everything that one perceives about another means that it is so, sometimes its just allegations that are passed about what him or her thinks about that particular individual. Third, not because the person who interacts with your child or is educating your child lives a particular lifestyle does not means that he or she will impart such acts on your child/children or family. Fifth, even if such perceptions are correct what should be the focus is that of the educating of your child/children because when it comes to be a professional one has to think about displaying cohesion among all so as to get the best results as possible. Sixth, cohesion, is an important factor in generating a positive group temperament, or climate, in which members take pride in the group, treat other with respect(O' Hair & Wiemann, 2012).

On numerous occasions I have heard homophobic terms being used as an insult by adults to a child as well as from a child to another child. From these experiences I can see the hurt and pain that develops of such instances. I can recall a colleague doing thus and the child has grown with the fear of others as he walks on the street . Sometimes he hides and wait until it is dark before he goes out. He has grown with so much stereotype wherein he doe not have enough friends because he is disliked. Therefore, in doing thus I strongly believe that it poses a very negative influence on all children.

Reference

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real Communication: An Introduction. Bedsford, St.Martin's

Reflection and thank you

As I reflect being a part of this course, it was one that was very interesting and informative. I entered and felt like a blank slate but today, I am feeling knowledgeable about different aspects of the communication process. I am cognizant that collaboration is one of the most significant element that aids in having an effective and efficient communication amongst other people on a daily basis. Second, being a part of this course has opened my eyes to see that communication on a hold is a broad process that entails different point of views being that we are living in a diverse society.

However, I would want to thank all of my colleagues that I have worked with throughout  this course. Indeed your valuable insights have been very meaningful in the upliftment of my thoughts. Today, I feel rounded and more inspired to meet the needs of the society. Therefore, I wish you all the best in your other courses.