Saturday, May 28, 2011

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

As a child, my twin and I were blessed to never experience any of the indicated stressors. However, there are many that children that I knew growing up and have taught experience one or more stressors in their childhood. There are two children that particularly stand out in my mind. There were two brothers that attended the center I use to work for. These innocent children experienced hunger, chaos, and violence in their home. Their mother received assistance to where they had no reason to go without food, but for some reason these poor children were not being fed properly and it was evident every time they stepped into the center.  In addition to hunger, these children witnessed physical and verbal altercations between their parents. At one point in time, the children and their mother were living in a home with 6 others and had to sleep on the floor. After the Department of Social Service began to investigate the living situation, the mother eventually moved into a place of her own and began to provide these precious children with the nutrients needed through food. It's sad that it took for the proper authorities to step in order for the mother to begin properly providing for her children. On the same note it turned out to work in the boys favor because they did begin to receive the essentials needed to thrive and develop appropriately.


One region that I am interested in learning more about is Haiti and how the development of their children has been affected by the natural disasters that have taken place over the years. Two of the most recent natural disasters are the earthquake that killed over 100,000 Haitians in January of last year and the hurricane in January of this year. As a result of these natural disasters an outbreak of Cholera has been spreading rapidly throughout Haiti. There have been many relief funds set up to provide medical supplies, clean water, and rebuild homes and communities. One fund that was of interest to me was the "Haiti Relief Fund: From Relief to Development". This fund is focused around providing education to children and youth of Haiti. Currently, the president of this important and imperative fund is in the process of building a school in a "slum" community that houses more youth than adults. In addition to the school for educational purposes, donations for medical supplies, chlorine, and clean water are being collected and needed to minimize the spread of Cholera.


http://haitirelieffund.org/haiti-relief/haiti-relief-fund/haiti_relief_development/
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 28, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    It always amazes me what kinds of things children must face and experience. I always try to remind myself I never know what is going on at home. I too am very blessed to never have experienced the stressors. I wish we could say that for all children. Thank you for reminding us about Haiti. Sadly, I think people forget that although the natural disaster happened what seems like a while ago, the country is still suffering from it!

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  2. Caitlyn MarktMay 29, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    I too, had a peaceful, non-stressful childhood. I, of course, feel lucky and honored to have the opportunity to grow up with loving parents who not only loved me but loved each other. Having this kind of childhood seems to make it more obvious for me when my students are living in a situation that is not beneficial for them. I hope you find this benefit as well since you said you and your twin grew up without the indicated stressors.

    I wasn't surprised to learn about Haiti and the issues they are still dealing with years after these natural disasters. Thank you though, for continuing to follow their progress and struggles. There is s much going on in our world and once a disaster isn't discussed in the news any longer, I tend to forget about their need for help. So, thank you for keeping Haiti in mind.

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  3. nicolel82606May 29, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    I also came from a very loving caring home, where not only were my parents there to support and take care of us children, but they also loved, respected and cared for each other. I feel so thankful to have not had the these terrible experiences that some have had. It breaks my heart to see children that have no choice in the matter of being brought into this world, or the setting they are brought into. It is so frustrating as an educator, and a person that loves children to see and hear of children being exposed to things and hurt when no one has the right to do so. I do feel that having such a blessed childhood did open my eyes to seeing what other ways could have been like.

    I have also continued to hear about the struggles that people are having in Haiti, I could not imagine. Thanks for providing the link for the relief fund!

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