Youngest Child Syndrome
For this assignment I chose to write about the two assumptions that people have of me. The importance of this assignment is to recognize these assumptions, reflect, and address my own assumptions that I may have towards other people or children. The unpleasant feeling I get when people assume things about me, will help me stay away from assuming things about others. Not much has changed since completing this assignment, because I often treat people with respect and kindness regardless of their age. I also prefer to ask questions, rather than assuming. When working with children I believe its very important to invest time into getting to know a child before assuming things about them based on one interaction. For example if an infant continues to cry all day that does not equate to them being spoiled. While crying may be off putting for caregivers, in order “to engage in critical thinking one must embrace what is critical to children even if uncomfortable for adult”(Bentley & Souto-Manning, 2016) Caregivers should take into consideration that crying in fact is a normal response to a need and a way children express their feelings. Ways that I could use this assignment in my ecosystem is by sending a “Getting to know survey”, to all families so that I can learn more about them and their children before the start of care. With family system being very complexed is is essential that I create a judgment free zone for all families.
The biggest two assumptions in my family system are that because I am the youngest of four children I am spoiled, and the least busy one. This often affects me in a negative way because there is this misconception from other family systems that “I have everything, and all the time in the world.” Very often it is assumed that I am the least busy and have fewer problems. For example, if my parents need help with anything, I am usually the first one they reach out to.
Contrary to some of the negative connotation that comes with being labeled as “spoiled,” I often time feed into it, especially when it benefits myself. I can usually get away with doing or saying things that my older siblings would not be able to get away with. Being the youngest I am most of the time given a pass and “not knowing any better.” Culturally I would say that my parents played a significant role in creating that narrative for me by always tell my siblings “Leave her alone, she's just a baby.” In my microsystem that labelled that was given to me affected how I viewed myself and those around me. What changed those assumptions was having my own children and no longer being looked at as the baby in the family.
While I feel like I have overcome the assumptions of me being spoiled, I continue to deal with the assumption that I am the least busy. Often, my family do not even ask if I am busy, they just assume that I am always free. It is very much possible because I am the last one to start their career, that this assumption has been giving to me.
Overall, when working with families it is essential to be careful about what languages are being used with families. Stereotypical language should never be used such as calling children “spoiled.” Assuming that any member of a family is not busy is a recipe for disaster. To better serve families Caregivers should be aware of their own assumptions and not project that onto families. Supporting families is partnering with families, respecting their values/beliefs, allowing them to be a part of decision making for their child, using inclusive language and ultimately coming together for the best interest of the child.
Is Birth Order Really That Important?
