I’ve always dreaded doctor appointments—not because of the doctors themselves, but due to the overall experience. I can manage needles for vaccines or fasting for blood work, but the scale has always been my nemesis, impacting my self-image significantly.
Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with being overweight. Every memory I have from childhood involves being aware of my size. Unfortunately, my pediatrician didn’t help; he frequently reminded my mom and me that I was on the “cubby” side. It wasn’t entirely his fault, considering that back then, BMI was regarded as the ultimate measure of health, despite being an outdated standard based purely on height and weight. Society back in the late ’90s also glorified being thin while mental health issues were often brushed aside. If you weren’t grappling with body image issues, it somehow felt unusual. Reflecting on how those early experiences affected my mental and emotional well-being makes me both sad and furious.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics revealed that children as young as 9 to 14 were dissatisfied with their body shape—how heartbreaking! Have we not progressed at all over the past few decades? During their tween and preteen years, kids should be focused on far more important matters than their appearance, like whether they can get more screen time or if they can persuade me to buy that new item they added to the cart at Target.
I want my children’s visits to the doctor to be free of anxiety—especially the anxiety of being weighed and categorized on a growth chart. To ensure this, I closely monitor how their doctor interacts with them. She asks about their favorite foods, drinks, interests, and what exciting things have happened since their last visit. Most importantly, she inquires about their friends and feelings. This approach fosters comfort and well-being.
There are no good or bad foods; it’s refreshing to hear that food isn’t attached to morality. Some foods provide more energy while others offer less. Discussing exercise as an enjoyable activity rather than a chore is a breath of fresh air. Framing it this way shouldn’t feel revolutionary, but it does.
Inquiring about friends and feelings is often overlooked yet crucial. We can gain insight into their emotional and social development without making it a big deal. Remember, mental health is health—period.
I might be a bit more cautious than the average parent when it comes to my children’s medical experiences, but I want to shield them from the struggles I faced. After giving birth to my second daughter, I avoided going to my doctor for four years. I kept telling myself I would go once I lost the last bit of baby weight. Even after I lost it, I still hesitated because I wasn’t ready to face that scale.
When I finally returned four years later, I had developed unhealthy eating habits, an eating disorder, and even precancerous cervical cells. This isn’t just a singular experience; it happens far too often. As an adult, I’ve learned to recognize body-shaming, but as a child, all I heard was that I was “fat” and that it was bad. I am living proof of the long-term effects pediatricians’ negative comments can have on a child’s body image. If this sounds familiar to your child, it’s time to seek out a doctor who promotes body positivity and acceptance without delay.
While I can’t change my past, I refuse to let my daughters endure the same fate. It matters when kids hear affirmations about their strength and beauty from someone outside the family, like their doctor. If a doctor can’t provide that positive reinforcement, they better not contribute to any negativity about your child’s body, or parents will certainly look for new care options.
For more insight, check out this post on body positivity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, and this resource offers excellent information on health and well-being.
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Summary:
If your child’s pediatrician makes disparaging remarks about their body, it’s essential to seek a new doctor who promotes body positivity and mental well-being. Children’s experiences with healthcare should foster comfort and confidence, not anxiety about their appearance. By ensuring your child has a supportive and understanding doctor, you can help them develop a healthier self-image.