There are many life stresses that children have to deal with even at a very early age. From natural disasters, to familial stress all children are bound to have some stress to deal with. Sometimes, children are exposed to too many problems, and these problems may be hard to overcome. Violence is especially traumatic to young children. Today many of our children are born into families that violence is common place. According to the Children's Defense Fund (1997), in America on an average day, "10 children are murdered, 16 die from guns, 316 are arrested for crimes of
violence, and 8,042 are reported abused or neglected". These numbers are tragic and fifteen years after being published are different.
Recently, in my program we had a 3 year old girl, that was becoming extremely aggressive towards the other children, the staff, and myself. After speaking to the mother, we found out that the child had witnessed a very violent fight between her parents. The parents were verbal, and physical in front of the child. When the child began to show similar tendencies, we coordinated help to have the child discuss her anger. Unfortunately, her behavior got so bad, that I had to expel her from my program. I worry about her well being because I know the challenges she will face throughout life if her mother doesn't receive extra help for her child.
In Australia, the data regarding violence against children is high as well. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission (n.d.) "there were over 31,000 reports of abuse to children in 2008-2009" . Furthermore, violence in television, music and play items is surrounding our children on a regular basis. Violence can be helped with discussing concerns with others not involved in the issue. A good example of someone to talk to, would be an early childhood educator. Our job is to take what children tell us, and alert the proper authorities.
References:
Children's Defense Fund. (1997). Every day in America. CDF REPORTS, 18(2), 15. Washington, DC: CDF.
Recently, in my program we had a 3 year old girl, that was becoming extremely aggressive towards the other children, the staff, and myself. After speaking to the mother, we found out that the child had witnessed a very violent fight between her parents. The parents were verbal, and physical in front of the child. When the child began to show similar tendencies, we coordinated help to have the child discuss her anger. Unfortunately, her behavior got so bad, that I had to expel her from my program. I worry about her well being because I know the challenges she will face throughout life if her mother doesn't receive extra help for her child.
In Australia, the data regarding violence against children is high as well. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission (n.d.) "there were over 31,000 reports of abuse to children in 2008-2009" . Furthermore, violence in television, music and play items is surrounding our children on a regular basis. Violence can be helped with discussing concerns with others not involved in the issue. A good example of someone to talk to, would be an early childhood educator. Our job is to take what children tell us, and alert the proper authorities.
References:
Australian Human Rights Commission. (n.d.) Violence, Harassment and Bullying: children and young people. Retrieved from http://www.hreoc.gov.au/pdf/bullying/VHB_children.pdf
Children's Defense Fund. (1997). Every day in America. CDF REPORTS, 18(2), 15. Washington, DC: CDF.
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