Child's Play

“Play is the highest form of research.”

― Albert Einstein

Maha's Story

My co-worker and friend, Maha, is a Palestinian woman who grew up in Jerusalem.  Much like the children of Northern Ireland, Maha grew up with ongoing political and religious conflict.  As a middle aged woman she can still recount the violence of her childhood; however, Maha believes these episodes of violence are only one part of her childhood.  She also speaks lovingly of her family, friends and community.  Maha credits her childhood with influencing her decision to become a teacher.

The Impact of War/Conflict on Young Children

Barriers as seen on Springmartin Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In an article by Muldoon (2004), the conflict in Northern Ireland commonly known as "the Troubles" is examined to determine the impact on the development of children. This period of Irish history is known for many bombings, demonstrations and killings. The Troubles began in the late 1960s and was officially over in 1998 with the signing of the Belfast "Good Friday" Agreement.  However, Belfast and some of its Northern Ireland neighbors continue to be the site of rioting and civil disobedience. Springmartin Road in Belfast is literally divided down the middle by high walls and barriers to designate the Catholic and Protestant communities.  Muldoon (2004) found through research the impact of conflict on children demonstrating acting-out behaviors is variable.  Rather than conflict and unrest being the sole contributors to children with social/emotional challenges, the data would seem to support poverty, education and substance abuse as equally definitive predictors (Muldoon, 2004).  Additionally, Muldoon (2004) found that even those children directly impacted by ongoing civil violence, the conflict experience is but one part of their overall development and sense of identity.

References
Muldoon, O.T. (2004). Children of the troubles: the impact of political violence in Northern Ireland.
     Journal of Social Issues, 60(3), 453-468. Retrieved from http://www2.ul.ie/pdf/10036202.pdf


The wall dividing the Catholic and Protestant Communities in Belfast, Northern Ireland



  

Public Health Issue

I chose mental health as my public health topic because of the increasing number of children in Head Start with significant behavioral concerns.  SAMHSA is the federal government's agency on mental health and addiction and is a great resource of free materials and publications.  I chose a pamphlet on providing mental health services to members of the American Indian and Alaska Native communities.  Since the U.S. is a melting pot of different cultures, it is important to understand the value systems of each group in order to design effective mental health systems.  As with any intervention, early childhood educators must understand the impact cultural beliefs have on our willingness to access services.

I find the stigma that is attached to mental health treatment is the biggest barrier to accessing services, both in the United States and other countries.  We should develop our cultural competencies to better serve families but we must also address the feelings of shame or failure that may accompany mental health services.  When I approach parents about their child's challenging behavior, I always spend a portion of the meeting discussing the parent's feelings about treatment.  This allows me to better understand the parent's concerns while educating them on the benefits of mental wellness.

http://store.samhsa.gov/product/American-Indian-and-Alaska-Native-Culture-Card/SMA08-4354

My only child, Clifford, was born on February 12, 1989.  As a social worker, I had read many books and articles on pregnancy and childbirth.  I had regular prenatal care and worked up until my due date. However, as a first time mother the birthing experience was very different from my inexperienced expectations..  It was when I was being prepared in the labor room that I actually understood I was giving birth to another human being.  It was no longer an abstract concept!

In 1989 there were prenatal tests such as sonograms and amniocentesis.  Unlike the precision of today's diagnostic tools, my sonogram was not quite as sophisticated.  I developed some prenatal issues and required several sonograms throughout the pregnancy.  My last one was completed at seven months gestation.  The results of the test indicated I was delivering a baby girl.  I had always felt I was going to have a boy so I was a bit disappointed.

Fast forward two months to my delivery.  You can imagine my surprise when the OB/GYN gave me my child and stated, "Congratulations, you have a beautiful baby boy".  It was love at first sight when I looked into those gorgeous brown eyes.  He was a healthy and happy infant.  People don't believe me but my son laughed out loud at two weeks old!!  All my friends, family and physicians told me I was sleep deprived and it wasn't possible.  New mother nutcase.

This course has opened my eyes to just how much has changed in the past twenty-two years.  Prenatal care, medical practices and infant aftercare have improved dramatically.  There is so much more research on the role of prenatal and neonatal development.  I hope to find research that substantiates my son's laughter at such an early age was not the figment of my imagination but rather early social expression.

My Friend Edna

is from the west African country of Ghana.  Edna and I discussed our children, and how the birthing process in her homeland compares and contrasts to my son's birth in the United States.  Edna advised that women in urban areas generally give birth in a hospital very much like we would find in the United States.  However, pregnant women in isolated, rural areas tend to have their babies at home attended by a mid-wife rather than a physician.  I was amazed by the Ghanaian custom of placing a gold or beaded waist chain around the upper hips or waist of newborn baby girls.  The band is adjustable and is worn by the baby into adulthood.  Depending upon the prerogative of the owner, the waist chain can be worn strictly under clothing or visible to others.  It is a sign of femininity.  Pretty cool.

Thanks to All

I have really enjoyed the blogs and feedback of my colleagues.  I appreciate the wisdom and experience you bring to early childhood education.  Our children and families need and deserve dedicated professionals like yourselves.  Thank you and good luck in your future studies.