My nephew Drake is 5 years old and is showing clear signs of having a negative body image. He is the middle child of three boys. His brothers are both tall and skinny, while Drake is a little shorter and heavier. He is by no means fat or as my sister says "morbidly obese". He has a larger frame and appears to healthy, solid and strong.
On more than one occasion, even in front of Drake, my sister has told me he is their least favorite child because he is "fat and doesn't want to do anything like go swimming". I of course was outraged and told her that I didn't feel it was right to say anything like that especially when Drake could hear her, but she says it doesn't matter.
At a family birthday party last weekend Drake changed into his swimming trunks. When he came back outside he immediately asked his his swimsuit made him look fat. His mom said no, but the fact that he was asking means that he is self conscious.
It has me very worried about him.
Drake is called fat and put down constantly from his parents and older brother. I am afraid of the effects this will have on him later in life.
If his parents and brother were physically abusing him I would call Child Protective Services, but I am ensure what to do about the emotional abuse he is suffering. If I talk to her about it again I know nothing will change. I have considered calling the school councilor but am not sure if they will even talk to me about someone else's child, especially when I have no kids in the school system.
On more than one occasion, even in front of Drake, my sister has told me he is their least favorite child because he is "fat and doesn't want to do anything like go swimming". I of course was outraged and told her that I didn't feel it was right to say anything like that especially when Drake could hear her, but she says it doesn't matter.
At a family birthday party last weekend Drake changed into his swimming trunks. When he came back outside he immediately asked his his swimsuit made him look fat. His mom said no, but the fact that he was asking means that he is self conscious.
It has me very worried about him.
Drake is called fat and put down constantly from his parents and older brother. I am afraid of the effects this will have on him later in life.
If his parents and brother were physically abusing him I would call Child Protective Services, but I am ensure what to do about the emotional abuse he is suffering. If I talk to her about it again I know nothing will change. I have considered calling the school councilor but am not sure if they will even talk to me about someone else's child, especially when I have no kids in the school system.