Why overweight little people generally don't enjoy physical education because they are often insulted by fellow pupils - as the usual view is that overweight children are not athletic. This, though, is not always the case, but this not always accurate perception persists. Reasons Overweight Children May Fear Physical Education
The unpleasant treatment of overweight children can leave lasting scars, and it is time that this matter was properly addressed. Even if there is no physical bullying inflicted on some overweight children, verbal bullying can be as damaging, as can emotional bullying, which can see a child isolated because of their weight. Also, for a child who is self-conscious about their weight, they can be badly affected by what others may consider to be the gentlest teasing.
For a child who is conscious about their weight, the mere thought of physical education can fill that child with dread for a number of reasons. These reasons can include:
1) Being aware of physical education clothes accentuating their weight.
2) Having to try and impress in any aspect of physical education, when without any confidence.
3) The worry that their efforts will be mocked by their peers.
The most distressing cases of bullying can be when a physical education teacher pushes an overweight child into tasks he or she can't do. Sometimes a teacher may defend themselves as just showing 'tough love', but a child on the receiving end will not see much in the way of love.
How an Overweight Child's Confidence Can Be Boosted
If an overweight child is shown encouragement then there could be a dramatic transformation, and they could have a more positive outlook on life and have much more confidence in themselves. There would also be a much more healthy atmosphere within a group of children, when one or two are not signaled out for bullying.
Most children have moments when they have been fearful of something at school. Some children may be scared of failure, whereas others may face every day at school just hoping to get through it without being bullied.
Some overweight children will laugh off any taunts about their weight and be the most popular boy or girl among their peers, but there are other children who are much more vulnerable, and it is these children who deserve to be given especial time and encouragement.
All children should be encouraged to be as good as they can be, but society still needs some way to go before some prejudiced views are a thing of the past - and the stereotyping of overweight children is one of them.