The Hurried Child Syndrome
Nicole Gaethke
What is the Hurried Child Syndrome?
The hurried child syndrome is a condition where parents over-schedule their child's life. They push them to excel at academics and athletics. The parents expect them to be a miniature version of an adult. Children are being forced to grow up way too fast.
Adult Behaviors
This picture depicts the fact that children are growing up way too fast.
Makeup
Young girls are begin to wear makeup at a very early age.
Academics
Parents are continually pushing their children to excel in academics.
What are the Factors of this Condition?
There are a variety of factors that cause kids to be too busy or grow up too fast. The main reason is their parents. Some parents want their child to excel in sports and academics. They may start the child in education programs, tutoring, or summer camps at a young age. They push them to become involved in activities that they are not quite yet ready for. Another factor is the media. Television and internet allow access to virtually any topic in the world. Many parents do not have time for their children and do not monitor what their child watches or searches online. In addition, peer pressure is also a cause of growing up too quickly. Children do not want to be an outcast. They want to fit in and are more apt to participating in activities or doing something the group is. Society, values, and parental teaching methods are also factors. The economy may also be a factor. A child growing up in poverty faces a harsh reality and may have to grow up faster in order to survive.
What are the Symptoms of Stress?
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Nervous twitches
- Headache
- Hyperactivity
- Stutters
- Muscle tension
- Bedwetting
What are the Consequences of the Hurried Child Syndrome?
- Increased rates of homicide
- Suicide
- Obesity
- Teen Pregnancy
- Depression
- In-home Truancy
- Stress
- Anxiety Disorders
- Higher Crime Rates
What can Parents do Differently?
Parents could spend more time and pay more attention to their kids. They could teach them that it is okay to fail and that nobody is perfect. Parents could also limit their children to a couple activities a week to make sure they don’t become stressed. It is also a good idea to monitor what their kids watch or what they do on the internet. Parents should set aside time to socialize with their family and give their children more time to play outside. Parents should be aware of their child’s developmental stages and only interact them with things when they are ready.
How has this Issue Changed Over the Years?
Between 1981 and 1997, children’s amount of free time decreased by 7.5 hours a week. Children’s time also became more scheduled and organized. Participation in sports rose by 35% and participation in the arts rose by 145%. I believe that this syndrome has always been a part of our history but it is continually on the rise do to advancements in society and parenting techniques. Many years ago, I think children were less hurried. Media and technological advances have stopped children from playing. Back then, children spent a lot of time outside. More and more children are being hurried. Then they turn into parents and do the same thing to their children. I think parenting is dramatically changing this issue. Also, during the depression, there was more pressure to get jobs at young ages. Children felt obligated to support their families. Time of war also leads to more pressure. Children were left in one parent households and were forced to take on more responsibility. They were put in a lot of stress knowing their family member could potentially die overseas. Also, middle-class and working-class parents are more likely to rush their children due to high expectations. Status and social class may determine the amount of pressure in a child’s life.