Stressors

 

RACISM

 A stressor is an activity or an event that causes stress. My uncle experienced a stressor during his childhood with racism. Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another or the belief that another person is less than human because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes. During the past 500-1000 years, racism on the part of Western powers toward non-Westerners has had a far more significant impact on history than any other form of racism such as racism among Western groups or among Easterners, such as Asians, Africans, and others.

When my uncle was in his younger childhood, he went to a school that only had 2 African Americans and he was included in the 2. He said that the children called him and the other African American child bad names. He also said that some of the parents took their children out of school because they attended the school. He doesn't show in any way that it affected him but it was stressful for him during that time. I feel that we should treat everyone like we want to be treated whether they are black, white, orange or blue, it shouldn't matter. I've taught my kids to never judge a person from the outside but the inside.

Some children do suffer from racism for a long period of time. I watched Oprah during black history month and there were so many people on there who were still hurting from something that happened when they were children. For example, one lady was on there and she talked about how this other lady called her names and made fun of her to her friends an bothered her every day. This lady was still hurt today from that incident. The lady apologized for doing all those horrible things to her and gave her a hug. It was sad to see. Racism still lives but people need to get right with God because they will have to answer to that one day. Children in all states and countries effected by racism however it is stronger in some places than others. 

Nutrition/Malnutrition

Before you can understand how nutrition/malnutrition impacts the development of a child, you must first understand nutrition and malnutrition. Nutrition refers to the consumption of materials necessary to support a healthy life. Malnutrition is the condition that comes from the lack of nutrients in diet, too high of an intake or the wrong proportions are being consumed. Both nutrition and malnutrition play a huge role in the development of children.Proper nutrition provides children with the energy and nutrients needed to meet their physical and mental potential. The lack of nutrients present in a child’s diet is damaging because their bodies are constantly changing, going through different stages of development.

Whether we realize it or not, a child’s diet affects them on a daily basis. Students that get the proper nutrients and the proper amount are providing their bodies with the fuel needed to grow their minds and body. Children with a healthy diet tend to be more focused and have a longer attention span. Children that are malnourished experience fatigue, low energy, and are more perceptible to infection and sickness.

Malnutrition in Central America

Malnutrition has never been a huge problem in Central Americauntil now. Recently, chronic malnutrition has been as prevalent in Central America as it is in Africa and South Asia. In Guatemala, half of all children under five years are chronically malnourished.  In El Salvador, Honduras andNicaragua, one out of every three children under five years is affected.  There has been no improvement in reducing malnutrition in these four countries for over a decade. Malnutrition in these countries is a direct reflection of increased poverty and has a negative effect on the economic growth. Children that live in poor and rural areas suffer more from malnutrition.

Reference:

Pitts, N.(2012) Central America. Malnutrition and Poverty threaten to the region yet. Retrieved from http://www.jpic-jp.org/71-en.html

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

I do not have any children but I have encountered the birth of my Godson in 2010. I remember that he was born in a hospital and discharged one day after the birth. I remember that he was very small and needed extra care during his first few months. I remember being there with my 2 cousins who were going to be first time was nervous anytime she made a sound that was different from her usual coos. I choose this example because it is the closest encounter I have had with a newborn. My cousin nurtured him even in the womb with classical music and educational tapes playing on her stomach. I feel that developmentally these prenatal influences aided in his advanced  way of thinking and development now. He is now 2 years old and is well above the development of children her age. At doctors visits he is always above average and shows his knowledge base in his inquisitive take on everything around him.


I was surprised in my research of how much they take care of their mothers in the Netherlands. There expectant mothers are referred to a midwife practice and the woman decides if she wants a home or hospital birth. All mothers are required to pick up a knaampukket which include medical supplies for a home birth. If they chose to have a home birth a midwife is assigned to make house calls and check up on them and advise them of when they should go to the hospital. After birth, a nurse comes to stay with the parents for seven days and provides medical care, cooking, cleaning, parenting classes, and manages the flow of visitors which is covered under their insurance.

I thought it was amazing how much the Netherlands automatically takes care of their expectant mothers throughout the process and after of pregnancy. There should be more practice of this in the North America. There is the choice of home birth or hospital birth but I am not sure home birth is covered by your insurance as it is in the Netherlands. I think as far as development a home birth is much more personal but at the same time can but the child at risk without proper hospital equipment and medication. Being born in a hospital developmentally gives you the best chance with all the supplies needed in any situation which gives the child a solid foundation of  a more healthier start than a home birth.