My Supports

     I depend on many supports to get me through the day.  My biggest support emotionally is my husband.  He helps me get through the day and is a good sounding board to bounce ideas off.  He is someone I can always depend on.  My kids also give me support.  They make me laugh, think, and keep me going!  During work, I depend on the other teachers for advice, ideas, and support.  Starting the morning I depend on my alarm clock and coffee to get me up and going in the morning.  I would not wake up on time if it were not for my alarm clock.  I depend on my car to get me to places I need to go.  I depend on lists to help me stay organized and not forget things.  I also depend on my phone.  I use my phone to check the weather, e-mails, find contact information for my family and friends.  I keep my calendar on my phone.  I would be so lost without my calendar.  I can make appointments and make sure I do not have any conflicting appointments.  I can set reminders so I remember where I need to be and what I might need to bring.  I can set the timer to keep me on schedule.  I use my phone to get directions.  I use these many supports through the day.  My phone, alarm, lists, and car all make my life easier.  I am very thankful for them and the support they give me.  If I did not have them things would be challenging but life would go on.  I can’t imagine life without my husband, kids, and other family and friends.  They give me the greatest joy and peace in life.  A piece of me would die if I did not have these wonderful people in my life for support. 

“My Connections to Play”



 

 

 

 

 

     Growing up I had three siblings to play with as well as tones of neighborhood kids to play with.  I remember my summers spent outside on swing sets, blow up pools, bike rides that took us on adventures all over, sandboxes, sprinklers, and of course fort making.  After dinner we would go out and play games of ghost in the graveyard or bloody Mary!  These games would include a wide age range of kids and would include anywhere up to 20 kids.  My aunt gave me her beloved Schwinn bike and I put many more miles on it.  Our adventures would take us through the woods and down to the river or over to a friend’s house to play.  On days that we could not be outside to play I loved to play with my dolls.  My grandma would make clothing and bedding for my dolls.  Dolls of all kinds were my favorite toy as a child.  Play has always been enjoyable for me!  I still enjoy playing today!  Today I enjoy playing and watching my own children play.  I enjoy when we get the opportunity to play and ride bikes as a family. 

     Play has changed in some ways.  When I grew up we had a neighborhood community, all the backyards were open, and we ran through them all as if they were our own.  If you wanted, someone to play with you just went outside and found someone or went to the neighbor’s door and rang the bell.  It seems these days many people have fences or are not home to play.  If you want a friend to play with you have to call and set up a play date! In addition, there is way more entertaining things on TV and video games to suck you in to screen time.   

     In some ways, play is the same.  I love to watch kids get swept up in their imagination and pretend play.  I wish for kids today that they had more time to play that their time was not so scheduled either at home or in school.  I also wish that there were not so many concerns for children to play outside.  These days children cannot go out and play for hours without their parents seeing them.  There are too many concerns about strangers to allow children the opportunity to wander to far from home without an adult.

Relationships

     Relationships are the spice of life.  Relationships are crucial to life.  I have been very blessed with relationships in my life.  First off is our creator God himself.  It goes all the way back to Adam and Eve.  God knew we needed relationships that is why He created Eve. 

     My parents would be the first relationship I had.  If it were not for them, I would not be here today.  They taught me how we need relationships and the importance of having friends and living in a community.  My two sisters and one brother also have taught me a lot and have showed me the power of being a family.  Grandparents who have been involved and supportive through my whole life.

     My school friends that I have met along the way some are still in my life others have I lost contact with but are still grateful for the time they were a part of my life.  My many teachers through the years that have helped me to grow and learn.  They have been role models and inspiration for me.

     My husband who is there for me through everything.  I have been blessed to be married to him for 14 years and to know him for 22 years.  He is the one I laugh with and cry with.  He is there during the good times and the bad times.  We are blessed to have two children that are amazing.  We have grown with them and learn from them.    Life is not always easy but with family and friends by your side, it sure is easier. 

     Relationships take time that is why some people pass through our lives.  When things change in our lives usually relationships to do.  It is easier to keep a relationship going when you have contact with the person.  I do have some friends that I only get to see a couple times a year and when we see each other it is as no time has passed others when a long time has passed it can be difficult to pick up and feel connected with.  Relationships take time to develop and nurture. 

 

 

Thank You

Walden Classmates thanks for a great 8 weeks.  I have learned a lot and have enjoyed reading your posts and discussions.  Thanks again and I wish you the best on your journey. 

 

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided But for the feeling that you cherished them.

-         Richard L. Evans

 

The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children

 

There are two gifts we should give our children; one is roots, and the other is wings.

 

Children are great imitators.  So give them something great to imitate.

 

No one would expect a child to learn to ride a bike by showing the child a drawing of a bicycle and by discussing the laws of balance.  The child learns by riding the bike.

-         Lewis

Testing in schools

    
    Most the testing done in schools are measuring a child’s ability to do math, reading, and writing.  IQ test are measured to test intellectual aptitude or ability.   Can any single test really measure a child holistically?  I do not believe so as we have many intelligences and abilities beyond are math, reading, and writing.  So many times kids feel they are good at something because of what a test says.  I do not like that kids get so wrapped up in tests and grades.  I know for many years I felt that these scores defined me as either smart or dumb.  When we look at these scores, we miss seeing the whole child and a child can miss out at being the best person they can be.  Test do not look at children’s ability to move, socialize, create, and many more areas.

     I looked at New Zealand schools.  I have enjoyed reading how they do literacy in their schools.  As I was researching it sounds like they as well have many assessments but I like that they do not use one assessment to base a child’s grade.  Their assessments include what the teacher sees in the classroom, how the student rates their own progress as well as the formal tests.

The other thing that really impressed me was that the children have a part in evaluating and setting goals and the teacher helps facilitate this process.  The teachers even go over there standard tests with them.  I liked this as I think real learning takes place when you learn from your mistakes and you take time to evaluate what you have learned.  Also setting goals and being supported toward your goal is a huge life skill and accomplishment that children can feel good about.  Information taken from the website below:

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/Parents/YourChild/ProgressAndAchievement/AssessingYourChildsProgress.aspx

Childhood Stressors

     Chaotic Stressors

     I have a friend that grew up with an alcoholic father.  She would describe her childhood as chaotic and unpredictable.  She talks about how she was always trying to make peace in the family and found it her job to be the caretaker especially to her mother.  She also found that she would try to excel at every area to try to make everything better.  Living in this chaotic environment, she found safety in routine and schedules.  To this day, change can be hard and cause her anxiety.  She also felt ashamed and embarrasses of her father.  She was worried what he would do next and did not want him to show up at school functions.  She loved her father so she then felt guilty for having these feelings.  She learned at an early age that you do not talk about it and you always smile and act like everything is okay.  According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Buddy, 2013) one in five adult Americans lived with an alcoholic while growing up.  The effects of living with an alcoholic can last through the adult years.  As a child, my friend did go to counseling for a time and as an adult she has seek out counseling for herself.  She has worked very hard to not take responsibility for her father’s actions and not being responsible for her well-being. 

Hunger in El Salvador

     El Salvador has held a special place in my heart since I had the opportunity to visit the country during my college years.  Child malnutrition is a serious problem in El Salvador.  Two out of five children in El Salvador are likely to suffer from malnutrition.   This is a serious problem as malnutrition can case permanent cognitive, psychosocial and biosocial consequences.  There are organizations that are trying to help fight the problem of hunger.  One organization is Pizza Hut how teamed up with the United Nations World Food Program that runs Nourishing El Salvador .  They held there third marathon to raise funds and awareness for nutrition in El Salvador.  They even had local children participate in the event (Martinez, 2013) .  Another organization that is helping is  World Vision.  They are helping  25,000 girls and boys and this is through sponsorship provided by people in the United States.  The problem of nutrition is still a real factor with things like earthquakes, drought, and hurricanes affecting the availability of food (http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/6d1210430917461d8825735a007e2f2b/sponsor-el-salvador).

Reference

Buddy, T. (2013).  The effects of parental alcoholism on children. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from About.com Web Site: http://alcoholism.about.com/od/effect/a/The-Effects-Of-Parental-Alcoholism-On-Children.htm

El Salvador (n.d.) Retrieved February 1, 2014, from  http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/6d1210430917461d8825735a007e2f2b/sponsor-el-salvador

Martinez,E. (2013).  4,000 children join the Puch Marathon to support “Nourishing El Salvador”  Retrieved February 1, 2014, from http://www.wfp.org/stories/4000-children-join-puch-marathon-support-%E2%80%9Cnourishing-el-salvador%E2%80%9D

 

 

Public Health Topic Breastfeeding

     The public health topic I chose to write about this week is breastfeeding.  I breastfeed both of my children for over a year.  This topic is meaningful to me because of the special bond I developed with each of my children during this time.  There is something very powerful about feeding and providing that nourishment for your child.  It was not always easy or comfortable but I feel blessed to have been able to provide this nourishment for my babies. 

     I looked at Ghana and how they look and feel about breastfeeding.  Ghana is a very conservative.  It is not okay to walk around in a top that shows cleavage but it is okay and expected that you nurse your baby if the need arises.  It does not matter where you are you are expected to nurse your baby.  In fact, if you do not nurse your baby and they are crying people start to think you have stolen the baby.  People are so use to seeing nursing babies that they do not think it is strange or offensive.  In fact nursing a baby is highly encouraged.  This is quite the opposite from what we see her in the United States.  People do become offended and there have even been places that band mothers from nursing their babies.  One Ghanaian woman pointed out if you grow up thinking it is normal you will not be offended by it.

“A study done in a rural area of Ghana evaluated the time of first breastfeeding after birth. Breastfeeding was initiated within the first 24 hrs after birth in 71% of infants. The later the start of breastfeeding the greater the risk of neonatal death. Infants given any food or fluids before breastfeeding was established on day 1 of life also had higher risk of neonatal mortality. The authors estimated that 22% of neonatal deaths after 1 day of age could be prevented by starting breastfeeding within 1 hr of birth” (Edmond, 2006 ).

Wow, that is an amazing statistic! 

Edmond KM, Zandoh C, Quigley MA, Amenga-Etego S, Owusu-Agyei S, and Kirkwood BR. Delayed breastfeeding initiation increases risk of neonatal mortality. Pediatrics. 2006: 117(3); e380 Accessed 1/16/14.

Birthing in the Netherlands

In an article in American Baby the author speaks of different birthing experiences her and her friends have had around the world.  She speaks of her experience in the Netherlands.  Women there rarely see a doctor.  They see a midwife for prenatal care and by law a midwife must be at every birth even when a doctor is present.  Women decide if they will have the birth at home or a hospital.  All women must pick up a kit with all the medical supplies needed for a home birth regardless if they have decide to have the baby at a hospital.  The kit is called a Kraampakket.  If they have a baby at the hospital and everything went well they usually and go home within two hours.  After birth a nurse comes the the home for seven days and provides medical care as well as cooking, cleaning, and helping with parenting instructions.  She is also responsible for making the traditional snack for when visitors come to see the baby.  This is all covered by there insurance.

In many ways this is different from the traditional American experience.  We mostly see doctors and deliver in hospitals.  I like how they support the mother and family after the birth.  One thing that was common in many of the birthing stories that I read is the support from family and friends.  It seems to be universal to rally and celebrate the birth of a child.  And it should be they are such miracles!
Below is the link to the article that I was referring to above.


http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?page=2

Birthing Experience

     In my Early Childhood class, I was asked to write about a personal birthing experience.  I have been blessed to have a few experiences so it was hard to choose.  I considered writing about my own.  I have given birth twice and the experience was unbelievable, intense, and something I will hold dear to my heart forever.  I felt to write about these two experiences I would probably have to write a book as there are so many details and emotions felt during this time.  For know I will keep these memories in my heart.

My first birthing experience was the birth of my first niece.  As long as I could remember I wanted to be an Aunt.  I have a great relationship with my Aunts and was excited to try on this role.  My sister – in – law was gracious and excited to share this event with me and the rest of the family.  We got the call she had gone to the hospital and all day were getting updates.  After work, my husband and I headed down to the hospital.  By the time we got there, things were really moving along.  I have never been good at visiting people in the hospital.  In fact, I have become the patient twice while visiting my sister after surgery and then visiting a sick friend in the hospital.  I ended up passing out.  I do not like to see people hurting and in pain.  Well let me tell you the delivery room is not free of people in pain!  My mother – in –law thought it would be special if I could hold the focal point card for my sister-in-law.  All I had to do is stand there holding the beautiful prayer card well my sister-in-law breathed through her contractions.  However, as I had said the delivery room is not free of pain and she was in a lot of pain.  To make things even better my husband her brother thought that the machine that told when a contraction was coming and measured how big it was very interesting.  He stood there telling her you are about to start one and this is a big one.  She had had enough of him and snapped at him I will tell you when I am having one and how big it is!  We laugh about it now.  

I am not feeling well but how can I tell a laboring women I am really not up for holding your focal point anymore?  It was not much later that the doctor came in and said she was ready to start pushing.  I was off the hook as we ended going down to the waiting room.  My poor sister–in-law pushed for three hours.  After three hours of pushing, they took her for a C-section.  We got to go down and meet and hold our beautiful little niece.