Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

I know of many people who had to deal with socioeconomic issues growing up.  Poverty has and continues to be a serious issue in our country and around the world.  Those families that receive help through government assistance funds and programs are getting enough just to get by.  The people that I know who experienced poverty as children all said that at the time they were just kids and could only remember enjoying life as kid, the adults in the home made it so that they didn't worry about not having enough money, they made a way.  I think that sometimes especially nowadays we bombard our children with adult problems and put too much emphasis on them knowing that they aren't as well off as the next family.  I think that parents need to shelter their children as much as possible from knowing the details of how much they have or don't have and try to get as much resources that are available to them as possible.

I chose Syria as the country that I would like to know about, because of the war that is going on right now there.  I think that one stressor that was not on the list specifically but of course can fall under the category of Violence is war.  A child living through war is something that is indeed hard for me to believe, but it is definitely a reality for many children around the world and not just in Syria.  I think that.  Refugee camps for children and families are one of the ways in which people who are being affected by civil war in the countries are being supported.  Organizations like UNICEF are helping by raising donations.  I think that supporting when you can whether it monetary or through prayer and voice is a way that one can start to help.  

http://www.supportunicef.org/site/c.dvKUI9OWInJ6H/b.8298561/k.555F/Donate_to_help_the_children_of_Syria.htm

Public Health Announcement

Mental health is a major public health concern, especially with the dark stigma that surrounds it.  With the statistic of 1 in 5 American suffering from depression at some point in their lives, we must not ignore the importance of mental health awareness.

Because relationships are how we as individuals interact with each other, we must recognize the effect of mental health on families and young children in general.  I chose this public health concern because of my experience working with students with emotional disturbances in the special education community.  These children face challenges within them selves involving self-control and anger management.  Often then not, these children have family members with mental health issues.   I think as professionals working with children and families that we help to increase the awareness of mental health in efforts to decrease the negative stigma that is associated while providing support to those children and families that are dealing with circumstances that may increase their risk of having mental health issues.

The stigma doesn't only hold true in the U.S., around the world individuals are remaining silent when it comes to mental health.  People fear reject, judgement and shame in disclosing that they have a mental illness.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/mental-health-stigma-and-prejudice-strong-around-the-world-8505.aspx

Birthing experience

This posting was a difficult one for me due to the fact that I think birth is a very private and personal experience.  So without going beyond my comfort level I will share that my personal birthing experience was in a hospital setting surrounded by my the people most closest to me including my best friend. I have two wonderful daughters who are 4 years apart and I have to say that both births were a blessing.  The first one was actually easier than the second one when it comes to the actual delivery. The second birth experience was longer and more painful due to it being natural. Nevertheless I am blessed beyond my measures in being able to carry and bring life into the world. In terms of birth and its impact on child development I recognize the importance of prenatal care as well as having a supportive family/friends to get through the experience. We say that young children need support and that it takes a village to raise a child but it doesn't just start from a certain age it begins prenatally. 

I read about birthing traditions and customs in Nigeria. In parts of Nigeria women are expected to give birth alone; completely by themselves. It is not till the delivery is over then a midwife and others come to support the mother. 

I could not even imagine going through birth by myself without another sole in the room with me. I think that the support I received from my family gave me the strength to make through the delivery. Also, I think that the mother feeling and knowing that she has support aids in child development because of the importance we must take in addressing the fact that raising a child takes many. 

Thank you all for the kind words!  We all got through the first course in our program.  Everyone deserves a round of applause!

Best wishes to everyone as we move on to our next course.

Examining Code of Ethics

"Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

3. We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others".

"Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives

1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and cultures".

"Responsive Family Centered Practices

We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children".

The above ideals from NAEYC Code of ethics are ones that I believe are the most meaningful to me because they focus on what I need to do to prepare myself as a leader in the field, how I will work in collaboration with families (parents), and the golden rule in developing a positive relationship with young children and their families. 

Article: NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from

http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

"I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child".

"I-1.8—To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities".

"I-1.9—To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful".

The above ideals from DEC code of ethics. I found these ideals to be most meaningful to me because of ways I would like to serve children and their families. I believe that my main responsibility working with young children is to encourage them and see there potential. Also knowing that every child is different and had different strengths and weaknesses support the diversity that is each child to meet his or her individual needs. Lastly, advocating for students in a multitude of ways remains to be professional direction. 

Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from

http://www.dec-sped.org/

Additional website and article resources

Website:  http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/
                Center for National Black Child Development Institute www.nbcdi.org
                Center for Law and Social Policy www.clasp.org
                The Annie E. Casey Foundation (funds Kids Count projects in all states) www.aecf.org
                Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning                    
                        http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/

 Article:  http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=255

                http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=525

"The passion to make sure that all children are taught in environments and in ways that truly nurture their ability to grow and develop to their fullest” – Louise Derman-Sparks