Week: 4 Early Childhood Education

                                   WEEK: 4
        
          Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

All children will experience some stress in their lives, sometimes more amounts of stress than others.

 Adults fail to recognize the magnitude of stress in the lives of children and children are experiencing more stress at younger and younger ages.  

Our complex society has greatly increased the amount of stress adults and children are exposed to. 

Even in the womb a child picks up the mother's stress – "stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol cross the placenta" Humphrey 2008).

 

 The stress that I chose to share as a personal experience is:

Children in Single Parent Homes

When I was 13 years old my father passed away leaving a big responsibility for me to help my mother raise my 3 sisters and brother.

Single parenthood can bring added pressure and stress to the job of raising children. With no one to share the day-to-day responsibilities or decision-making, single parents must provide greater support for their children, while they themselves may also need support.

Most single-parent households are run by mothers, and the absence of a father causes lower household income.  This can increase the risk of children performing poorly in school. The lack of financial support from a father often results in a mothers working more, which can in turn affect children because they receive less attention and guidance with their homework. 

Having only one income earner in the home puts single parent households at risk for poverty.  Living in poverty is stressful and can have many "emotional effects on children, including low self-esteem, increased anger and frustration and an increased risk for violent behavior. Besides financial constraints, other emotional effects of growing up in a single parent household may include feelings of abandonment, sadness, loneliness and difficulty socializing and connecting with others" (Humphrey 2008). Effects vary from child to child, however, and the individual parenting style of the single parent is also a big influence on the child’s development.

 Single parenting can have positive effects on children as well, depending on other factors such as personality types and parenting techniques. "Children in single-parent families may exhibit strong responsibility skills, as they are often called upon to help out more with family chores and tasks. Children in single-parent families often form close bonds with their parent, as they are closely dependent on each other throughout the child’s life" (Humphrey 2008). Children from single-parent families may also form closer bonds with extended family members or family friends, as these people often help raise them.

How to cope with the stress of living in a single parent household:

Talk to your Children

Let your children know about the changes in the family. Sit quietly with your children and allow them to talk about their feelings.

Plan family time
Being a single parent can be overwhelming. Set aside some time each day to enjoy your children. Spend quiet time playing, reading, working on arts-and-crafts projects, or just listening to music together. Your time is one of the most important things you can give to your children.

Keep a daily routine and schedule
Schedule meals, chores, and bedtimes at regular times so that your children know what to expect each day. A routine will help them feel more secure.

Do not be afraid to ask for help
Don't try to handle everything by yourself. You will need the support that family and friends can give. Get to know other single parents through your children's school or play groups.

Stay Positive
Be aware that your children will always be affected by your emotions and attitude. They will need your praise and your love through all the hard times. It's okay to be honest about your feelings of sadness and loss, but let them know better times lie ahead for all of you.

References


Humphrey, James. (2008). Helping Children Manage Stress, Child and Family Press.

www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/types-of-families/Pages/Stresses-of-Single-Parenting.aspx




The country that I would like to know more about is Belgium and the terrorist attacks.  I would like to learn about the impact that this type of violence has on the development of the children and what is being done to minimize the harm.

It’s hard to believe what’s happened. It’s even harder to watch the images we’ve all been seeing in the newspapers and on TV. 

Terrorism is a violent act committed by people who want to get attention for their cause. 

Terrorism scares everyone because no one knows when or where it will take place. Right now, it seems like the entire world is upside down and confusing. 

  

Terrorist attacks and their aftermath have had a powerful impact on children and their families. 

Media and television exposure of terrorist events throughout the world has increased during the past few years. 

There is increasing concern about the effects of this exposure on children who witness these violent images. 

Intentional acts of violence that hurt innocent people are frightening and upsetting. 

Children and youth will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. 

Families and school personnel can help children cope first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and security.

 As information becomes available, adults can continue to help children work through their emotions and, perhaps, even use the process as a learning experience.

For many people, the best way to deal with a tragedy is by coming together with others and helping out. Feeling like you have a positive purpose and keeping busy after the violence can start the healing process.  

Listen and offer your support. Holding a friend’s hand, singing a patriotic song, or even giving someone a hug can make it just a little bit better. Many people have stories to tell, and talking about your emotions and feelings is important. If your friends want to talk, be a good listener. Be sure to let a parent or other trusted adult know if someone is talking about violence or hurting himself or someone else.

Attend local vigils and ceremonies. You can take part in prayer ceremonies, memorial services, and other events that may be planned in your neighborhood or community. It makes everyone feel better to know that others support them while they are in pain. Even if you don’t know anyone directly involved in the attacks, you can still grieve for the loss of lives and let those left behind know that you care.

References:

 http://www.chp.edu/for-parents/parent-resources/parenting-tips/terrorism/kids-help-after-terrorist-attacks#sthash.HZtYDnrS.dpuf

Early Childhood Development Week: 2

       Public health contributes and impacts children's development all over the world.


 I chose nutrition/malnutrition
Nutrition/malnutrition              

                                                   

 




Early childhood is recognized as a critical time for 
     healthy growth and development.

The effect of nutrition on the brain begins before birth—with the nutrition of the mother. Malnutrition and the resulting negative effects on brain development during pregnancy and the first two years of life may be permanent and irreversible. 

 Breast-feeding appears to lead to higher IQ/cognitive development. Breast-feeding leads to fewer cases and less severe cases of diarrhea, ear infections, skin rashes, and bacterial meningitis.  

Adequate nutrition for children during early years is essential for good health and proper development.  
Studies show that nutrition has a connection to children's behavior and their ability to learn.  Life long good nutrition habits may lead to a healthier adult years. 

The relationship between nutrition and learning is important for people who care for children. 

Cognitive development is a term that covers human perception, thinking, and learning. 

Nutrition, genes, and environment are three major factors impacting cognitive development. 

Because there are many factors that impact learning, scientists cannot say, “If you eat this, you will be smarter.” 

However, the role of good nutrition in child development and learning is important. Nutrition during the early years of a child’s life is linked to performance in later years. 

"Many research studies focus on the relationships between breakfast and learning in school-age children; other researchers identified the importance of nutrition at earlier ages "(National Food Service Management Institute).

Malnutrition

Malnutrition results in decreased activity levels, decreased social interactions, decreased curiosity, and decreased cognitive functioning. 

                    

       

  



Iron is a necessary part of brain tissue. Nerve impulses move slower when iron deficiency is present. 

Iron deficiency during infancy may cause permanent damage to the child’s brain; however, too much iron can also cause problems. 

Iron deficiency during the first two years of a child’s life is associated with behavior changes and delayed psycho motor development. Enough, but not too much, is the key to appropriate iron intake. 

 Iodine deficiency during early years is associated with reduced cognition and achievement in school-age children. 

 Poorly nourished children have more problems fighting infections. Therefore, they may be sick more often, miss more school, and fail to keep up with classmates. 

School-age children who ate breakfast did better on performance tests than children with no breakfast. Similar and even more dramatic effects among infants and toddlers are expected if studies on breakfast and performance are completed ((National Food Service Management Institute).

"Good nutrition is the bedrock of child survival, health and development. Well-nourished children are better able to grow and learn, to participate in and contribute to their communities, and to be resilient in the face of disease, disasters, and other global crises".

Nutrition/ Malnutrition Around the World

                                                  

Millions of children suffering from malnutrition. Every year, around 3 million children die due to malnutrition. 

For millions more, chronic malnutrition will result in stunting – an irreversible condition that literally stunts the physical and cognitive growth of children.

The good news is that we can change this.

The first 1,000 days from the start of a woman’s pregnancy to a child’s second birthday offer an extraordinary window of opportunity for preventing malnutrition and its consequences. 

"UNICEF targets its actions to this critical period, using widely accepted and evidence-based interventions, including support for breastfeeding, appropriate complementary foods for infants over 6 months, and micro nutrients supplementation for women and children to address deficiencies. These investments in nutrition – particularly in the earliest years of life – can yield dramatic results for children, their families, and communities" (unicef.org/nutrition).

I have learned that good nutrition is essential to young children's survival, health and development, however in America more than 16 million kids are not sure where their next meal will come from.   Malnutrition is a very serious crisis that is effecting our young children all around the world.  My personal growth as well as my professional has had a great influences on this issue of malnutrition and going forth I plan to take the opportunity to help and support all organizations that help children and families "fight for hunger'.   Our children are depending on us to help them live a healthy happy nutritional life.

References

Building blocks for fun and healthy meals: A menu planner for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. (2000). Washington, DC: United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.

UNICEF http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/

          

Group 3/ EDUC 6160 Early Childhood Development Course Week: 1

                                                                  Week: 1

              

               Childbirth In My Life and Around the World

On May 14, 2002 after 17 hours of labor and a C-section, I finally gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, 7lb baby girl, that I named Jada Nicole.

I remember this day so vivid I was happy, nervous, excited, scared and anxious all at the same time, I was going to be a mother!  

I was surrounded by many loved ones, family members, and friends at a nearby hospital in Bridgeport Connecticut.

After 15 hours of  natural labor I finally decided that I needed an epidural to stop the excruciating pain. :(  Two hours later the doctors had decided that I was going to have to have a cesarean.

There was only one person who was allowed in the operating room with me so the father of my daughter suggested that my mother go into the room with me because he was to "scared" I mean he "did not like the sight of blood" in his words ;/ ha ha

So my mom held my hand and was by my side as I had a c-section childbirth delivery.  My mom was the first person to see my daughter born and they are still close to this day.    

I choose my daughter as my example because this is the only childbirth experience that I had the opportunity of witnessing.

 My daughter is the love of my life and I think that this childbirth experience effected me so much that after 14 years I still only have one child. ;)

My thoughts on birth and the impact that it has on child development is that a baby starts to develop as they are in their mother's womb.

A child's development depends on the mother's choice to live a healthy and positive life style while being pregnant.

Having prenatal care, a healthy food diet, exercising, and avoiding stress, drugs, alcohol, and nicotine is all part of impacting a child's development.

   



                           

                  Childbirths Around The World

The Netherlands

"Most expectant moms in Holland don't see an obstetrician, but are instead referred by their family doctor to a local midwife practice. Doctors only intervene in high-risk cases or if complications arise during delivery. Dutch women decide whether they want a home or hospital delivery.  In fact, all expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth.  If you choose not to deliver at home, your midwife will make a house call to check on the progress of your labor and determine the ideal time for you to go to the hospital.

Even if you opt for a hospital birth, it's unlikely that you'll get an epidural. Epidurals are usually only given if it's convenient for the anesthesiologist's schedule (people often joke about the Dutch 9-to-5 epidural) or if an obstetrician determines it is necessary. Giving birth naturally remains the ideal for the vast majority of Dutch women. 

If a mother gives birth early in the day without complications, she and the baby may go home in as little as two hours. Then the unique Dutch system of kraamhulp (maternity home care) is set into motion. For seven days we had a nurse come to our home, a benefit covered by insurance. Not only did she provide medical care, but she also cleaned our apartment, cooked, and instructed us in basic parenting skills.

Local custom: Another important duty of the nurse is to manage the flow of visitors and make the traditional snack to celebrate a birth: beschuit met muisjes, which literally translates as "biscuits with mice." The "mice" are actually miniature licorice bits with blue-and-white coating for boys, pink-and-white for girls" (Schalken ).

Reference

Birth Customs Around the World

When it comes to having babies, every country has its customs.

By Lara Schalken

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/ 

                                                  

                           
                               What I have learned    

I learned that all countries have many different ways, ideas, customs and strategies involving childbirths.

The similarities that I can compare with my childbirth experience and the mothers in the Netherlands is that I had to wait 15 hours to get an epidural and "epidurals are usually only given if it's convenient for the anesthesiologist's schedule in the Netherlands".  I really think I could have gave birth naturally if not for the cesarean.

The differences are that the Dutch women decide whether they want a home or hospital delivery.  
"In fact, all expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth".

I did not have a choice between a home delivery the only option I had was to choose which hospital I wanted have my baby delivered at.

"Dutch women do not see an obstetrician and doctors only intervene in high-risk cases or if complications arise during delivery".  In my experience I had to see my doctor almost every month when I was pregnant.  

Also "If a mother gives birth early in the day without complications, she and the baby may go home in as little as two hours".  In my experience with my childbirth I had to stay in the hospital for 2 days or more.

The insights that I have gained is that mothers in the United States are very blessed to have health care and medical technology that many countries may not have.  

We should be greatly thankful and be willing to learn new knowledge from the many different positive experiences that other countries may have to offer.