This week we learned a lot in our two chapters about how we are constructed from a set of 23 chromosomes up to how children learn to walk, talk, see and move. We also learned how our development is affected not only by our heredity but by also how and where we are raised. All facets of who we are are affected by the environment we grow up in.
I found it very interesting how the same person could grow up with a different personality based on their developmental environment. Meaning that a person’s temperament depicts their environment and even the way their parents act to their temperament can determine how a child grows up. I found the relation between birthing complications (I e., prematurity, low birth weight, poverty) and anger problems and schizophrenia in children to be very interesting (p. 74). My cousin was born premature and with family problems causing an unstable environment. He now has anger issues that have caused problems for him in school. I am sure that this is partly because of his unstable family environment but also because research shows these issues causes problems in development for children.
I would like to talk to the researchers about further ways to help impoverished children develop and what other steps we could take to encourage their development. I would talk to them about ways to prepare parents for their children and places to turn for help with raising children.
I also find it interesting that individuals adapt or change their personalities do to their environment. Up bringing is so important and the ways you raise and influence your children. This does not even have have to be your own, it can be a nephew, niece or grandchildren, they are all influenced by what they see and hear. No one is perfect but I believe that being positive and encouraging is so important on young minds no matter who they are to you.
ReplyDeleteThis weeks reads were very interesting and so much that we can relate to our real life experiences. My baby cousin was also born a little over a month premature and within the first 10-12 hours had open heart surgery. Luckily he is part of a positive family environment, and survived and is living a normal life. I agree with you that the effects of family structure, parent-child relationships, and parenting in general explains a lot about a child's attitude and behavioral problems. Children's experiences at home can have a direct impact on their performance.
ReplyDeleteGood post! Enjoyed reading :)
I too would like to help children in need as a big sister so to speak. I have found this difficult to do. for reasons that when they go home it is just the same old thing as when they left. It is hard to try and help a youngster when the parents are not on the same page as you. Maybe they don't understand or even care. I have tried to help so many that I get flustered when I hear of things they are told by their parents or whom ever. It is hard to be different or change unless the enviroment changes with you.
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