Consequences of Strss on Children's Development

Consequences of Stress on Children’s Development

            Many stressors can hinder a child’s biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development.  Poverty, war, racism, hunger, and chaos are a few of the many that may have devastating effects on adults but especially on the young lives of children.  Violence is the stressor I have the seen the most. 

             I have a student this year that has severe behavioral problems.   He is very emotionally disturbed, with an extremely short fuse, and who is quick to react.  I was aware of this when our Pre-K teacher gave me the heads up.  Everyone knew this little 4 year old that would knock furniture down, through objects, kick, and use foul language.  I kept hearing, “GOOD LUCK!”  I was hesitant and didn’t know how to reach him.  So the first few weeks of school we got to learn from one another.  He is an intelligent child who has social problems due to domestic violence.  The students in my class who knew him from the year before would say things like, “He does that all the time” or “He is a bad boy”.  These comments, student stares, and laughs would set him off and we would have a complete melt down, including room rearrangement, about 2-3 times a day.  While taking my Early Childhood Development course and its readings I have taught my students to use empathy and help our friend who is a part of our family.  The results have shown improvement among my students and my classroom environment.  We have a give and take type of relationship that seems to be working.  My little buddy no longer throws things or knocks anything down.  He does have a temper tantrum or two but it is understandable and we work as a class to help each other out.  He is a great kid and everyone can know see that. 

            I chose to do more research on violence in Mexico.  I am of Latin decent, first born American, and live in a city whose population is mainly Hispanic.  Many stressors impact children in Mexico.  I will continue to focus on violence.  UNICEF is sponsoring a program in Mexico schools called Education for Peace.  This program is designed to reach children who experience violence at home and school.  The program also involves adults and teaches them how to recognize violence in their lives and how to avoid directing these feelings towards children.  The school dropout rate in Mexico is due to children in poverty having to work as well as abusive teachers, and parents.  Yes I said it…teachers!  I was shocked to read this.  We are supposed to be the safe haven they don’t have elsewhere.  Mexico’s government has taken over this project because of the wide results and impacts the children have made.  They want it to spread to countryside, cities, and eventually nationwide. 

Reference: http://www.unicef.org/protection/mexico_30660.html

Child Development and Public Health

     One of my biggest concerns in life is the well being of all children.  They depend on us to provide them with love, support, and healthy development.  Other than feeding, exercise, and giving them their multivitamin on a daily basis immunizations are also needed. 

     Immunizations are also called vaccines.  "Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease." (WHO 2012).  Families who vaccinate children save lives against deadly diseases.  The World Health Organization reports that China has had a 92% drop in Measles as a result of its measles immunization effort.  These kind of diseases can be prevented by simply vaccinating.  China isn't the only country reporting these findings.  Other countries with these findings are Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Philippines, and Viet Nam. 

WHO is focused on eliminating the Measles disease in all the Western Pacific Region (WPR) countries.  Below is a graph depicting a four year study of the region.

 

"Since 2001 the Initiative has supported 80 countries to deliver more than 1 billion doses of measles vaccine, helped to raise measles vaccination coverage to 85 percent globally and reduced measles deaths by 74 percent." (WHO 2012). 

     This topic impacts my future and the future of children all over the world.  Where there is a need we must do something to fill in its void.  What ways can we help with this initiative?  The Red Cross gives us ample opportunity to help by donating, volunteering, fundraising opportunities, and by being advocates. 

For more information click on the following links:
http://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/
http://www.measlesrubellainitiative.org/
http://www.redcross.org/support/international-support

Childbirth In Your Life and Arounf the World

I am fortunate enough to have two little boys in my life.  The pregnancies and birth experiences were very different from each other. 

My first pregnancy was relatively smooth.  From the moment I found out that I was pregnant I started to take better care of myself by taking prenatal vitamins, having regular checkups, and eating healthier.  I wanted to do all I could do to give my child a healthy start at life.  It was such an exciting experience too, from the first movement, getting everything baby would need, to his birthday.  After waiting 9 months the day finally arrived.  Our families patiently waited at the hospital for the moment to meet Tyler.  I remember being so scared and so happy at the same time.  Everything was fine and our bouncing baby boy was as healthy as can be.  He is now 5 years old.

My second pregnancy wasn’t so smooth.  Again, I did everything I could to give this new baby a healthy start with vitamins, checkups, and being healthier.  Everything seemed ok until one day at work I began bleeding.  I rushed to the doctor and after several months and bloody episodes we discovered I had placenta previa.  My placenta was covering my cervix and each time it would try and fix itself by moving it was like pulling a scab.  I was eventually bedridden and hospitalized still having episodes.  To make a long story short after all the tests and all the specialists we finally had to make the decision to have an early birth through C-section.  Kyle was born 5 ½ weeks early at a staggering 7 pounds but had to be in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.  He had several problems which included breathing and feeding.  After a little over a week we were finally able to bring him home.  He is now 3 years old.

This week’s readings about pregnancies and births made me think of what may have happened if the tables were turned.  What if I gave birth at home and not in a hospital? Would I still be here today? Would my child be alive? We both needed medical attention from birth complications.  Thinking of this and all the other complications others have during pregnancy saddens me.  Many children have been lost due to poor health care on the mother’s part, financial burdens, and even outside factors: teratogens.  What if I gave birth in one of the least developed nations?  Reading about the woman in Ghana giving birth in a dark, hot, hut curled in a corner with no sound amazes me.  It seems so peaceful yet not all are so.  She was fortunate not to have any birthing complications but what if she did.  I am very thankful to have given birth in the United States!