Consequences of Stress of Children’s Development
Poverty is a stressor that is ever increasing in India. The above picture shows a little girl whose growth has been stunted by malnutrition and poverty. Although the countries growth begins to prosper small children are still neglected. According to the article posted by the NY times (2009) In India, by contrast, despite robust growth and good government intentions, the comparable number is 42.5 percent. Malnutrition makes children more prone to illness and stunts physical and intellectual growth for a lifetime.
There are no simple explanations. Economists and public health experts say stubborn malnutrition rates point to a central failing in this democracy of the poor. Amartya Sen, the Nobel prize-winning economist, lamented that hunger was not enough of a political priority here. India’s public expenditure on health remains low, and in some places, financing for child nutrition programs remains unspent. I am shocked that politics takes precedents over the needs of humans. This problem effects these children bio socially, cognitively, and there psychosocial development.
As a child I had the experience of living in poverty. There were times when I would go to bed hungry or eat uncooked ramen noodles just picking at them throughout the day. I can recall being on the free lunch program and an embarrassing stigma that went with it. I guess this is where the resiliency of a child comes into play because honestly I didn’t know there was anything wrong. As I got older and I began to learn I knew I didn’t want to put my own children through the problems I encountered. During school I was a hoarder I would put the food in my pocket and save it to feed myself and my brother. As a teacher from time to time I have come across a few like myself then. I think I am more aware as a teacher and more sympathetic to the situation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/world/asia/13malnutrition.html?ref=world
Melanie, this is a great post. I am sorry to hear that as a child you had to go through something like that. I cannot imagine having to experience any of these stressors as a child. I guess when you see it now that is all you want to do is help.
ReplyDeleteI am really sorry for everything you went through as a child. As a child I went through something similar, a for my father was absent much of my life. But experiences like these makes us grow and become better human beings. Congratulations on overcoming this! Great post.
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