I looked at http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/. It was very interesting. I learned through the Global Children's Initiative activities that this organization looks at early childhood development, mental health, and children in crisis and conflict situations. What I paid particular attention to was the children in crisis and outcomes. This group focused on child status in post-earthquake Haiti and Chile and they also addresses acute malnutrition.
Looking at Child and Family Mental Health they stress that addressing these emerging emotional and behavioral problems when children are young is an important social issue. This confirms all that we have been learning. We have learned about early stress becoming an indicator of later behavioral issues. So there is value in addressing these needs.
Relationship-based conditions contributing to early emotional difficulties, such as maternal depression, also have been well-documented effects on developing brain function. I thought this was so interesting because lately there has been more awareness on maternal depression especially with Brooke Shields bringing maternal depression to the forefront and lack of understanding clearly stated by Tom Cruise. I think it is still misunderstood and scary. This is a personal issue to me because I experienced baby blues with my firstborn and it was terrifying because I felt that I wasn't me. It is interesting to see that this affects the child and the ways it affects the child.
I also researched this website and was absolutely amazed at all that is happening in the field of early childhood. My international contacts didn't feel like they had any unique insights into this issue. I do feel that we are in a unique time in history when there are so many children at risk for stress and suffering from unbelievable tragedies like earthquakes. I am so encouraged that there are so many global initiatives working to help our little children.
ReplyDeleteI too researched the site and felt so excited about the progress being made in our profession. I love the mental capacity your wrote about and need to look back on the site to research that more. I too have seen pregnant women undergo stress and the outcomes later on in the child's life.
ReplyDeleteHi Johan,
ReplyDeleteI researched the site also. I was pleased to see them addressing the emotional and behavioral issues associated with early stress. With all the many tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamies, and other natural disaster's around the world,I am pleased that this foudation has already begun the efforts it will take to help the children beyond physical damages.
Johan,
ReplyDeleteI also researched this site. What I liked about it was that it took information from a wide variety of cultures so that every issue and trend is address for each child. I liked how they addressed various stress factors, and how different natural disater's can effect children.