A Take on "Tan Mom"

I'm sure everyone has heard about the New Jersey mom accused of bringing her five year old into a tanning booth. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt that she may have brought her kid to the salon, but not into the booth. I have no reason to believe that the child didn't get burnt playing outside, and that what the little girl said at school was misinterpreted due to her mother's appearance. She may not be vigilant on putting sunblock on her child, but as far as I know that isn't illegal, or I know plenty of parents that should have spent a few days in jail, including my own.

Image from  Sunscreen: New Guidelines this Summer  

Sun exposure releases both melatonin and serotonin into our systems. Melatonin helps regulate our sleep patterns, and we all know regular sleep helps us function better, and serotonin is a feel good hormone. It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize,  both of those things feel good and anything that makes us feel good can have addictive consequences. It's also not that uncommon for a doctor to recommend someone with depression, especially if it gets worse in the winter where less sun exposure occurs, to regularity sit under artificial UV light. Also there's that whole vitamin D thing, but not relevant for this post. The real issue that everyone is either overlooking, or going about the wrong way, is the harm she is doing to herself.

She obviously has an unhealthy addiction that she, as with most addicts, doesn't see the problem. We all know the harm the sun can do, yet most people I know still don't bother to protect themselves from exposure, they just don't look that bad because they don't have much to exposure on a regular basis to become that tan. They are still doing harm, even that one burn is causing damage. I can however see how tanning can become an addiction.

So really, someone please address the real issue here, use some tact, and find that woman some help in the correct way. Attacks and mocking her is not helpful, if anything it makes a person feel more isolated and get further into an addiction. I wouldn't doubt if she also has some self esteem issues that need addressing with it. While you're at it, make sure she passes the truth down those kids so they understand the harm and don't eventually fall into the same addiction.

Embrace what you're given, being naturally pale is just as beautiful as someone born with naturally tan skin. If you must tan, keep in mind there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.