Violence and War

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

Breastfeeding and Overall Health

Today I had a great and in depth conversation with a young pregnant women about breastfeeding, she was weighing the pros and cons of exclusively breastfeeding or doing a combo of breast and formula. As we talked I begin to see how confusing and difficult feeding an infant can be, but it doesn't need to be. Simply put "breast is best".  Her concerns about breastfeeding were valid and centered around her return to work, pain of breastfeeding and fears that her child would not get enough to eat, but the benefits to not only the child but to the mother as well out weigh any cons that may come with breastfeeding. First is the health benefits- Children who are breast fed have overall better health than children are are formula fed, this first stems from colostrum- the first milk produced is rich in antibodies and gives the infants immune system a boost. This overall better health carries on for a lifetime in terms of weight and overall health. Secondly- Breastfeeding support strong attachments and bonding, this is not to say that children who are formula fed do not have strong attachments, but the intimacy of breastfeeding provides for a natural attachment to form between mother and child. There is several new studies emerging in regards to the importance of positive strong early attachments and future academic, social- emotional and cognitive success.  Lastly is simply the convenience of breastfeeding- Breast milk is always prepared, it comes out at body temperature and usually where they baby is. In response to this mom's concern about returning to work and finding time to pump, this is the biggest concern and hindrance of continued breastfeeding when mothers need to return to work. While it is often a challenge several steps have been taken to ensure that nursing parents are supported at work with time to pump and effective in 2012 breast pumps are covered by insurance companies.

In most developed countries women breastfeed their infants almost exclusively for the first six months, this differs in undeveloped nations where many moms cannot produce enough milk due to malnourishment or were encouraged not to breastfeed because of HIV/AIDS, new research suggests that even these children should be breast fed to avoid malnutrition or starvation.


In the end whether or not a new mom breast feed is her choice, but I think that everyone needs to be educated as to the benefits to breastfeeding.

Birth Stories

Women all over the world often share their birth stories with one another as a way to bond with one another. Birth stories also serve another valuable purpose, they serve as a verbal history for the earliest development of a child. As the mother of three children I have shared the stories of my children's birth with many people, including pediatricians and therapist.
I had my first two children when I was a teenager and was not fully aware of what was happening in my body as I brought another person into the world. In my twenties I gave birth to our youngest and was more aware of my labor and the changes taking place in my body.

On April 20, 2014, I sat in my Ob's office as he told me he wanted to induce labor because he feared that the baby was getting to big and he feared that I was going to need a c-section. He gave me the option of the next day which was Friday or the following Monday. We choose Monday so we would have the weekend to prepare. At 10:00 am on Monday morning we went to the hospital, got checked in and I was hooked to an IV with Pitocin to induce labor. I labored comfortably making some progress for two hours. At 12:00 pm my OB came in to check on my progress and to break my water to help speed my labor along. At this point I was having several small and inconsistent contractions and the doctor was concerned. After several increases in my dosage of Pitocin I began to get uncomfortable and was having regular contractions. At 3:00 pm I was told by the nurse that the doctor was on his way back and had ordered an Epidural and the anesthesiologist was on his way. I had not wanted an epidural, but because the nurse and doctor felt that I was not progressing as they wanted I was going have a cesarean section and the epidural was necessary. I was helped back into bed and was checked again for progress, the nurse surprised everyone letting us know I was fully dilated and the baby was coming. There was no time for an epidural, eighteen minutes later we welcomed our daughter Annika into the world weighing in 7pounds even and measuring 19 inches long. After her birth Annika weighed, measured, examined and given eye drops before she was put in my arms. Once she was in my arms we were able to bond and the nurses left me and my husband alone for two hours for bonding. The lights were dimmed and the room stayed quiet and we had no interruptions. At the two hour mark we were transferred from labor, delivery and recovery to the maternity ward, where Annika and stayed for 24 hours. The next day we were discharged from the hospital.

I think that Annika's birth story is a very common story in which mom's are pressured into inducing labor because medical professionals feel Annika was not too big, she was not overdue but I listened to the medical experts. For many women this doesn't turn out as my delivery did, with a vaginal-pain free delivery, but with a delivery that ends with a c-section.

The childbirth experience in Sweden is different than in the United States. In Sweden the majority of women receive prenatal care via a midwife, with only medical intervention if there are complications. Sweden is one of the safest places to have a baby while the United States ranks number 27th.
Maybe less intervention is better...

Ethics in Early Childhood

When I first started teaching I didn't realize that there were so many resources for professionals in the field of child development. As I began to become really invested in the field and joined the NAEYC I was looking for guiding principals to help me be the best early childhood professional I could be. One of the most important resources I found and still refer to is the NAEYC position statement on Ethical Conduct. This important document gives professionals guiding principals on our responsibilities to children, families, and each other. I think that there are a few that are the most important values and all inservice teachers need to be aware of. These values are 

1. We shall strive to build individual relationships with each child; make individualized adaptations in teaching strategies, learning environments, and curricula; and consult with the family so that each child benefits from the program. If after such efforts have been exhausted, the current placement does not meet a child’s needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing the ability of other children to benefit from the program, we shall collaborate with the child’s family and appropriate specialists to determine the additional services needed and/or the placement option(s) most likely to ensure the child’s success. (Aspects of this principle may not apply in programs that have a lawful mandate to provide services to a particular population of children.)

2. To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs to ensure a culturally consistent environment for all children and
families.

3,We shall recognize the contributions of colleagues to our program and not participate in practices

that diminish their reputations or impair their effectiveness in working with children and families

Resources for the Field

I struggle with finding an effective way to store resources especially articles. I have begun to organize printed articles by category and type (for parents, teachers, or both), so I can pull them when I need to. The problem is it takes up a lot of time and space. Compiling resources into one place has been very helpful. The NAEYC website has archived issues of Young Children on their website for members. With this archive all I had to do is to save the table of contents for easy reference and can pull up and email or print the articles I need. This solves some of my problem. The other problem I have is with resource books, I have been called an addict to reading and collecting books on early childhood and education in general. I have a few that never seem to make it back on the shelf and sit dog eared and highlighted on my desk, or in my bag. These three books have been the foundation of my career and are a must for every library

The Visionary Director by Margie Carter and Deb Curtis- This book has been my guide as I have taken on the role of a center director.I have turned to this valuable resource when I am feeling run down and like I should just give. It gives me inspiration and reinvigorates my sprite.

The second book is The Intentional Teacher by Ann Epstein. This book has helped in in guiding my staff and sharing my personal teaching philosophy and  how to  be sure that everything we do with young children has a purpose full-time job.

The last book that I relied on when I started teaching is the NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice. This resource I use often when I need to expand or deepen the understanding of a concept of developmentally appropriate practice.

My Personal Childhood Web

In each of our lives we have people who support, nurture, love, and ultimately shape the people we become. As early childhood professionals it is important to reflect on who is in  or micro-system and how they influenced our values and beliefs so that we can enhance the lives of the children we work with.

My mom- My childhood was far from ideal, but my mom loved me unconditionally and allowed me to express myself how I needed to. My mom was a silent support system and was always there if and when I needed her.

My Siblings- I am the youngest of four and my sibling were often given the task of watching me and helping me accomplish whatever small task I needed to accomplish.

My mom's best friend- My mom's best friend was a preschool director and probably one of the most influential people in my life. I spent a lot of time interacting with and watching her, she wanted the best for me and my siblings and supported my mom in what she needed as a single parent.

This is just a small set of the many people in my life growing up whose daily interactions with me influenced my development and gave me a strong foundation in how I life my life.

Everyday Discoveries

 During my day I often find myself wondering down to the infant classroom and spending time with the infants. One of the reasons I love spending time in there and why I was drawn to working with infants and toddlers was because you see new discoveries daily. Earlier this week during one of my visits I was watching one of the 15 month old enrolled in our infant program sitting and working with a puzzle. Each time he put piece in the spot he would clap. As I watched him I thought about how often we overlook these everyday discoveries because we are too busy to notice. This child was demonstrating a strong sense of self and recognition of his own accomplishments. I moved near him and we he clapped I simply said "You did it, you found another piece", after I engaged him he would look at me and clap each time, so a strong relationship with adults was being demonstrated. He moved around the room to find more puzzles and pieces and brought them back to where I was sitting to complete the puzzle.
This simple story shows how important it is to take time and observe what children are doing before we interrupt and respond.

Chilldren's Books

I love children's literature, there is something about selecting just the right book to help guide a childhood through a difficult time or a book that will spark an idea or conversation. Over the years I have had several books that are my favorite and it is usually because it is of great interest to the current group of children. I also am always drawn to the book Parts by Ted Arnold. This simple book is s great story about growing up and the changes that happen to us like our teeth falling out and peeling skin. As adults we tend to take for granted that children will understand the changes that happen to them and forget to explain what is happening to them.

There have been several quotes that I have heard or read that have inspired me in my teaching career. As a program director that statement has been important to me as I guide and plan for training the staff as been...

"Children who engage in rich conversations with responsive adults become reflective thinkers.  Conversation brings deeper meaning to life as children seek to contemplate and understand their world.  Conversation is the comprehension connection." Ketch

As adults in the classroom we have a responsibility to facilitate conversations with children that not only stimulate them to think and communicate on a deeper level, but conversations that challenge us to dig deeper and answer the questions that the children ask of us.