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 She would not trust others, she was withdrawn, she was defensive, and she had a low self-esteem.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
The trend of children's increasing exposure to violence is alarming. Families speak of what is shown in the media and the kinds and choices of toys that give thems a sense of being out of control is limiting children's behavior. When a catastrophe happens, whether personal or societal, children need help making sense of the calamity and then support in recovery.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to look at assessing children physically, emotionally, and mentally. How a child is feeling that particular day will determine how he/she does on an assessment. I think when teachers assess students, a lot of times they are not looking at the whole picture.
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