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