When I think about others, I immediately think about the children I work with on a daily basis. Poverty and hunger are the two stressors that many of the children I work with have in common. Many of the children come from single parent homes and deal with plenty of hardship. Due to the lack of money in their home reduces the amount of food they are able to have. Also, it impacts their living conditions. Some things that at times we don’t think twice about, such as a bed, is something that I realize many children do not have.
When I think about myself all of a sudden I had a memory that I haven’t thought about in years. It’s amazing how certain words can trigger our memory. I remember being in about the second grade and having this really good friend who hadn’t been long transferred to our school. I only remember her first name which was Alexandra. As our friendship matured I remember her confiding in me and telling about the abuse she endures from her step-father. I remember her telling me that she was physically and sexually abused by him; she made me promise not to tell anyone. I always tried to get her to come forward but she tried to reassure me that it wasn't that bad. For some time I held onto the secret but it started eating away at me; eventually, I told my mom and she told me to talk to my teacher. The day that I chose to talk to my teacher Alexandra didn’t show, days went by and her absence continued. Our teacher later told us that she had moved and I was heartbroken. All I could think about is if I had of said something sooner. I remembered how on certain days it seemed like she couldn’t focus because her mind was elsewhere. Abuse such as what Alexandra was experiencing, I know impacted her life and was a significant stressor
.
Poverty and hunger seem to be an extreme stressor for children in Africa. This quote I found is very startling “A child dies every three seconds from AIDS and extreme poverty, often before their fifth birthday”. Majority of the homes are self-built and are usually mud houses, they are assembled with rusty and corrugated sheets and wooden boards. Majority of the homes are none electric and no pipe borne water. There are no hospitals and schools are not adequate. Children are not provided with medical attention and many do not attend school.
Mexico City is one of the highest for children violence and murder. “In Mexico, for almost 25 years now, two children under 15 are murdered regularly each day”. The violence that these children are enduring can impact their life even into adulthood, producing health problems.
I think that biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial developments are all affected when a child is experiencing any of the above stressors. I feel that children become in denial, which is the only way that they can deal with their situation. By saying “it’s not that bad” or “it’s my fault” gives them some type of justification on why the situation is a occurring.
http://cozay.com/
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1293865.php/Mexico_among_countries_with_most_violence_towards_children
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1293865.php/Mexico_among_countries_with_most_violence_towards_children
Poverty and hunger are two stressors that children experience here in the U.S. and all over the world and is so devastating. My fiancé’s sister teaches 5th grade in Houston, TX and has mentioned on several occasions that many of her students will come to school, without breakfast and sufficient clothing during the winter. You are right about the fact that we do not think twice about things we have, like a bed to sleep in, while many people are not as fortunate! Thank you for your post, it has helped me realize that I am truly blessed, and though I experienced trauma and stress during my childhood, it was not nearly as bad as what other children and families have to endure on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteYour story about Alexandra was moving, secrets are such horrible burdens for children. I hope she found help where ever she went. It reminds me of the importance of establishing trust with children. It's difficult, I'm sure, to trust adults if one close to you is abusing it. I hope this memory helps you when you interact with the children at work who by the sounds of it may have difficult trusting as well.
ReplyDeleteI know it was hard for you to carry such a burden on you,but you did the right thing telling your mom no matter it was to late.I hope your friend did finally tell someone.
ReplyDeleteI too immediately thought of the children I work with on a daily basis. One particular child came to mind when I first read the assignment and the categories. I have a little boy who comes to school looking very dirty, with holes in his clothes and his shoes are worthless. I was going to buy him some shoes but I didn't want to insult the mother and she never responded when I asked if she mind. But after Thanksgiving holiday he showed up with new shoes. I feel sorry for the kids who have to suffer through poverty!
ReplyDeleteThe information provided in your post was an eye opening for me. I find it hard to believe that 25 children are killed daily in Mexico.
ReplyDeleteI also find it honorable to know that you informed your mom about the situation that occurred with your friend. I know that it was difficult for you to keep that type of secret. I feel as an adult that young teens and children can confide in me.