Poverty
in The USA and Africa
There are children around the world that
are faced with many stressors. The stressor that I chose to discuss is poverty.
There are families that struggle with
providing healthy meals, clothes, affordable healthcare and attention to young
children that need good nutrition, clean clothes and love to flourish mentally.
I am employed in a district full of low income families that struggle with
poverty daily. Children constantly complain about being hungry, but turn to bags of chips (hot fries) and candy. They and are able to
wash their uniforms on campus if needed. Professionals gather baskets of basic needs to
help aid the families through their rough times and assist them with resources
that would help for the moment.
“Children that are stressed act out in negative ways. They will develop social problems and their cognitive development will be affected. Children's poverty is an especially troubling form of poverty, as it is a direct affront to our commitment to equal opportunity regardless of birth. It is accordingly important to understand the demographics of children's poverty as well as the mechanisms through which poverty is transferred from one generation to the next”. (Shonkoff, 2010) Adults in their lives should pay close attention to behaviors of the child; for they may be acting out trying to cope.
I chose Africa's children in poverty. Children live in poor conditions with no clean drinking water; no running lavatories and many of the children are born with HIV. The children suffer in poverty mainly because of the government focusing on economic empowerment and consolidation of power instead of focusing on the education of young children and the health of their development.
“Children that are stressed act out in negative ways. They will develop social problems and their cognitive development will be affected. Children's poverty is an especially troubling form of poverty, as it is a direct affront to our commitment to equal opportunity regardless of birth. It is accordingly important to understand the demographics of children's poverty as well as the mechanisms through which poverty is transferred from one generation to the next”. (Shonkoff, 2010) Adults in their lives should pay close attention to behaviors of the child; for they may be acting out trying to cope.
I chose Africa's children in poverty. Children live in poor conditions with no clean drinking water; no running lavatories and many of the children are born with HIV. The children suffer in poverty mainly because of the government focusing on economic empowerment and consolidation of power instead of focusing on the education of young children and the health of their development.
I believe that young children’s biosocial is
affected because of the lack of healthy nutrition. They will have problems with
their physical development. Cognitively they will have problems thinking, and
as mentioned in Shonkoff’s article. Their psychosocial development will also be
affected and relationships formed will be hard to keep.
References:
Shonkoff, J. (2010-04).
The Impact of Early Experience on
Childhood Brain Development. The Brookings Institution
Hi Mia, I also looked at poverty.I enjoyed reading your blog. Children indeed act out and we need to reach those suffering.
ReplyDeleteI wish that I could save them all because I know what it means to struggle. To sit back and not help eats at me, but I have to understand that I am only one person.
DeleteThanks Kerrian!
Mia
Dear Mia,
ReplyDeletePoverty is such a sad stressor, especially for young children. It must break your heart to work with children who are struggling so much. There is poverty all over the world, as you mentioned in Africa. We need to remember our poverty-stricken children here close to home. It affects their growth and development in all areas. With the economy the way it is, have you noticed a higher percentage of children in poverty? What kinds of programs do they utilize.
thanks! Anne
Yes, unfortunately, I have noticed the increase on poverty in the area that I work in as well as the areas around it. I was born and raised in East Saint Louis, Illinois, a place where poverty is still affecting the lives of young children as well as adults. It is sad that they have no clue about how the economy rolls. Many families either have one parent households, grandparents are raising their child's children and/or they depend on the government for TANF and LINK here in Illinois. I want so to see them rise from the struggle.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne,
Mia
Here is a link to help you understand Illinois government assistance that do many become dependent on, plus it goes with your own post! Team work.lol
http://icirr.org/content/financial-assistance
Mia,
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that kids all over the world have to suffer because of the income of their parents among many other things. Children should be living carefree lives filled with love and learning. It is sad that society does not do a better job when it comes to our children. Things have to make a drastic turn aorund in order for our future to be successful. How will these children grow up to be successful doctors, lawyers and teachers if instead of learning they have to deal with adult issues and stress? Its a very sad thing to see. Great Post!
I read your post and i could witness to have to suffer for things my parents could not afford. Because they became disable at a young age,but with the help of god we made threw. That is why i won't the best for my child.
ReplyDelete