Appearance obsession may lead to obsessive compulsive disorder in kids. Find out the reasons for the development of obsession about their looks in kids. Any type of obsession can be a symptom of OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Kids getting obsessed about how they look have been a problem with parents during every stage; but currently, this has been a great issue with parents as they feel that this obsession is bordering on abnormal behaviour. Clinically, it has been found that for a kid to get obsessed with anything, be it looks or any other thing, there is usually a family history of compulsive disorders. Whereas, an adult can contract the disease at a later stage too. In this articleFit Into Peer GroupsNeglect and Boycott By Peers Fascinated By Idols Counseling – The Way OutWhy Do Kids Obsess About Looks? Here are the causes of appreance obsession in kids. Fit Into Peer Groups This is perhaps the most common reason behind the development of the compulsive disorder in kids. All kids want to be a part of the peer group that he has around him. And if the kid already has this idea that he is somehow different from the rest of the members, he immediately develops this urge to become alike and fit into the group. There is a natural reason for it as well. Neglect and Boycott By Peers This is a follow-through of the above mentioned points. Kids have this tendency to poke fun at fellow peers if they find them appearing different in any way; be it their clothing style, or their natural appearance. This makes the other kid, the one who feels neglected, very conscious about his looks. He wants to change and adapt his dress and style or his hair in order to be identified as a part of the group. Fascinated By Idols Kids often have fascinations for some idols, be it some sports star or a movie star; they get highly influenced by their style. Kids are prone to believe that they must imbibe all the fashion traits and characteristics of their respective idol. In this attempt they often get obsessed with the styles and fashion that the idol is sporting at the given moment. In many cases it has been observed that this obsession is a temporary phase and it changes or the idol get replaced with time. But if you find that the obsession to look like the idol goes beyond the usual playful way, you need to consult a counselor. Counseling – The Way Out When the obsession with looks increases to an extent that kid begins to sport unhealthy behaviour or attempts to engage in activities that cause harm, in any way possible, you know that it is time for medical intervention. Consult a physician who might refer your kid to a psychiatrist, who in turn may prescribe some medications. In most of these cases, the cognitive behaviour therapy yields good results. Finally, one point to keep in mind – It has been observed in most cases that parents are unable to discern for themselves that their kid indeed has developed an obsession. The awareness sets in late as the kids make their best efforts to hide their compulsive disorders as much as possible. So observe your kid from close quarters, keep an eye on his regular behaviour and actions. And once you get to know that he is getting obsessed with his looks, do not give him an impression that he is doing something that is “bad”. Rather your casual and friendly approach will help him outgrow his obsession with greater ease. You will find that in most cases, the obsession is just a temporary phase that needs to be dealt with care and eventually, the kids grow out of it, with conditioning support, or maybe by themselves, naturally.
Appearance obsession may lead to obsessive compulsive disorder in kids. Find out the reasons for the development of obsession about their looks in kids. Any type of obsession can be a symptom of OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Kids getting obsessed about how they look have been a problem with parents during every stage; but currently, this has been a great issue with parents as they feel that this obsession is bordering on
abnormal behaviour. Clinically, it has been found that for a kid to get obsessed with anything, be it looks or any other thing, there is usually a family history of compulsive disorders. Whereas, an adult can contract the disease at a later stage too.
Why Do Kids Obsess About Looks?
Here are the causes of appreance obsession in kids.
Fit Into Peer Groups
This is perhaps the most common reason behind the development of the compulsive disorder in kids. All kids want to be a part of the peer group that he has around him. And if the kid already has this idea that he is somehow different from the rest of the members, he immediately develops this urge to become alike and fit into the group. There is a natural reason for it as well.
Neglect and Boycott By Peers
This is a follow-through of the above mentioned points. Kids have this tendency to poke fun at fellow peers if they find them appearing different in any way; be it their clothing style, or their natural appearance. This makes the other kid, the one who feels neglected, very conscious about his looks. He wants to change and adapt his dress and style or his hair in order to be identified as a part of the group.
Fascinated By Idols
Kids often have fascinations for some idols, be it some sports star or a movie star; they get highly influenced by their style. Kids are prone to believe that they must imbibe all the fashion traits and characteristics of their respective idol. In this attempt they often get obsessed with the styles and fashion that the idol is sporting at the given moment. In many cases it has been observed that this obsession is a temporary phase and it changes or the idol get replaced with time. But if you find that the obsession to look like the idol goes beyond the usual playful way, you need to consult a counselor.
Counseling – The Way Out
When the obsession with looks increases to an extent that kid begins to sport unhealthy behaviour or attempts to engage in activities that cause harm, in any way possible, you know that it is time for medical intervention. Consult a physician who might refer your kid to a psychiatrist, who in turn may prescribe some medications. In most of these cases, the cognitive behaviour therapy yields good results.
Finally, one point to keep in mind – It has been observed in most cases that parents are unable to discern for themselves that their kid indeed has developed an obsession. The awareness sets in late as the kids make their best efforts to hide their compulsive disorders as much as possible. So observe your kid from close quarters, keep an eye on his regular behaviour and actions.
And once you get to know that he is getting obsessed with his looks, do not give him an impression that he is doing something that is “bad”. Rather your casual and friendly approach will help him outgrow his obsession with greater ease. You will find that in most cases, the obsession is just a temporary phase that needs to be dealt with care and eventually, the kids grow out of it, with conditioning support, or maybe by themselves, naturally.
