There are children all over the world that are struggling with war and violence. Several years ago I met a child who had two very loving adopted parents, but this children struggled with self-regulation, impulse control, and had some cognitive delays. As I spoke with the parents and begin to learn about the child's past I was shocked to hear about the violence that not only they witnessed, but also endured themselves. Even though this child was removed from the violent environment before two years of age the lasting impacts of it were still evident at age four. When I met the family every day was a struggle, the child was not able to spend any time in the classroom with having a tantrum or violent outburst. It took time, lots of patience and an understanding of the history involved. The family found counseling not only for the child, but for everyone in the family. The child also received speech, Occupational Therapy and behavioral therapy. The road to recovery was not an easy one and the family had many set backs but they also had many successes and soon the good days out numbered bad. The overall outlook for this child is great and when I check in with the family I hear the joys and successes they are having in elementary school. This is not the case for all children
There are several war torn countries in the world right now, and the largest causalities of these wars are the children. Children in war torn countries can suffer from both direct and indirect violence or effects of war. Children are often forced into service or witness their homes, schools and families destroyed. The children in war-torn countries suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome with symptoms ranging from insomnia, avoidance, and cutting off their feelings. There is still little mental help for children in war torn countries but UNCIEF, Save the Children, and other organizations are developing programs to assist these children.
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/10828/multi0page.pdf?sequence=1
Hi Tammy
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story, I only learned about PSTD and its effects on children development recently so thanks, now I understand that this condition doesn't just effect older children, but young children as well. It's great learn that there are organizations out there that are trying to assist these children in other parts of the world as well.
Also Tammy I would like to add that as educators this is important to understand and there ways that we can assist right from where we are.
ReplyDeleteDonna Irvin
Tammy,
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible success story! It was sad to read about this child's background and the traumatic stress he suffered as a result of violence. These types of children can be difficult to work with but when you build and maintain a secure, loving relationship, children will tend to feel comfortable and will allow you to help them. I am glad that there were resources available to help not only the child, but the entire family. Even if only one child is affected, the entire family feels it and they may need some help as well to learn how to cope. It is awesome that you often check in with the family to see how they are doing. Whether you know it or not, I'm sure they really do appreciate you for thinking and caring about them!