Childhood Stressors

I know someone who experienced violence as a child. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally abused. The violence made her life a nightmare. She was the oldest of her siblings and that added an extra stress to her life. I think the stressor definitely had a negative impact on her development. She would not trust others, she was withdrawn, she was defensive, and she had a low self-esteem. I think she did not take care of herself due to the stress in her life. She coped with the stress by devoting her time and energy into learning. She would rather be at school than at home, so she would work hard for the approval of her teachers. I think she also coped with the stressor by isolating herself from her family and others. She tried to go unnoticed. As a child she did not know of any resources, but as a teenager she was able to receive help from the school counselor. Stressors such as violence can definitely impact our development in childhood and beyond.

Children in Greece are experiencing different stressors due to the financial difficulties in their country. The government is cutting back on expenses and requiring families to cut back as well. In 2010 more than 3 million people were already close to poverty, but conditions have worsened since then. The unemployment rate is high and many families have no means of income (Hunger and homelessness on the rise in Greece, 2012). Families are experiencing poverty. Some children are going hungry and their health and hygiene needs are being impacted by the stress of poverty. The number of homeless families is rising. If children are not having their basic needs met, then their development is going to be limited. I feel the change in families’ lifestyles is going to change children’s development. I can see how the change will impact how a child feels in his/her environment. I think their sense of well-being is going to change.  Politicians are trying to figure out ways to help their country financially. They are trying to ask everyone to cut back and reduce spending. Churches and soup kitchens are trying to help by feeding those that are hungry. Resources are limited and conditions are not going to improve until the country can figure out how to reduce the debt and people are able to find jobs to feed their families.

Hunger and homelessness on the rise in Greece (March 14, 2012). World Socialist Web Site.  Retrieved on July 21, 2012 from http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/mar2012/gree-m14.shtml

Importance of Immunizations

I think immunizations are important in child development. I chose this topic for personal and professional reasons.

My oldest son, Caleb, had a low immune system when he was younger. It seemed like he would get sick if he came in contact with anyone who had a cold or virus. He was hospitalized several times before he was 5 years old, because he was not able to fight the colds or viruses as quickly as he should. I think immunizations are important, because they help prevent diseases. They help children stay healthy so they can grow and thrive.

My preschool program requires that students be current on their immunizations before they enter our program. I feel this is a safety measure that protects my students, my own children, and me. If they were allowed to enter our program without their immunizations, then one child could infect the others students. Some of these diseases can be very serious.

Many parents and teachers have never been exposed to the 14 diseases that now have an immunization. Two examples are polio and diphtheria. These diseases can paralyze or even kill children. Neither polio nor diphtheria has been seen in the US since 2006 due to vaccines (Graville, 2010). There were cases of polio reported in West Africa in 2004, and  nearly 2000 cases reported worldwide in 2005 (Berger, 2009).

Immunizations can help prevent diseases that could interfere with a child’s growth and development. This issue has been addressed in many countries. Schools, child care programs, etc. are either requiring or strongly encouraging parents to have their children immunized. This will help the child grow, develop, and learn. Children cannot grow, develop, or learn effectively if they are sick.

I come in contact with children from other countries every year. It is required that every child entering our preschool program is current on their immunizations. Sometimes it is difficult to communicate with families if they do not speak English.  Their culture may not support having their child immunized. I need to be well informed on the importance of immunizations so I can inform other parents.

I recommend parents:

1. Talk to your child's pediatrician, or the local health department about the importance of immunizations.
2. Post the recommended immunization schedule somewhere it can be viewed easily.
3. Have your child seen yearly by a preditrician. This will help ensure the child is receiving the required immunizations based on the recommended schedule.
4. Keep your child's current shot record accessible for easy reference. It serves as proof that your child's immunizations are current.

References:

Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.).

     New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

Graville, I. (2010). The Changing World of Childhood Immunizations.

     Exchange: The Early Childhood Leaders' Magazine Since 1978, (194), 14-17.