Journey through Research

This research class has been an insightful and interesting journey.  I can honest admit that I thought at the beginning of this course that I would end up drop the course.  Anything to do with research typically overwhelms me professionally.  However throughout this process that I have come to understand that my every day challenges, running childcare facilities takes research and different levels of study the majority of the time.  This class has enabled me to understand the research process more clearly, and apply it to my professional work.  I can better organize my thoughts and relay those thoughts and ideas to help others benefit from my work.  I am glad that through this process that I have a better understanding and new found respect for equality and equitability.  It is those two important factors in the research process that will lead fellow colleagues and professionals respect and value your work.  It also insures that the work and research being done has true unbiased representation and acknowledgements. 

I have a special thank you to all of my fellow classmates who struggled and challenged themselves through this course and I want to give a word of thank for your continued support.  Thank you to Dr. Davis for your encouragement and arrangement of assignments to make the last eight weeks manageable.

Happy Holidays to everyone!  I will see you in the New Year!

Blog Assignment: Research Around the World

       What are some of the current international research topics?

       In the Australian Community a significant amount of research is being focused on the middle years.  Identifying the disconnect and establish more effective teacher student relationships seems to be the topic of the research found on http://www.acsa.edu.au/pages/page32.asp

       What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website? If I understood the website correctly that early childhood teachers working with children birth to five years must possess early child teaching qualification.    I also was very surprised that the focus of early education was stated that is main focus was children experiencing success in learning.  That is such a wonderfully vital role to focus on.  I think most organizations want children to experience success in learning but do not make it a focus.

       What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

       I did not find any interesting links on the Australian Curriculum Site.  I was able to find note worthy information on the EECERA.  This is the site had a link to the Korean Institute of Childcare and Education.  This site had numerous links to the type of research that is being done in Korea.

       Sites

       http://www.acsa.edu.au/pages/page32.asp

       http://www.kicce.re.kr/eng/bbs/bbs_L.jsp?menu_id=020201&DB=research02

       http://www.eecera.org/links/

        

 

  I was introduced to Conscious Discipline training developed by Becky Bailey, about five years ago. It is specifically designed to provide parents with the conscious awareness and skills needed to create safe, connected, problem-solving homes. It is also a dramatic strategy to handle the most difficult of challenging classroom.  Giving families a true working alternatives to  hitting, spanking or isolation techniques as a form of punishment has I know personally helped not only my work with children inside the classroom, but also raising three children independently.   Research proves that when teachers and parents exhibit self control in volatile situations that they themselves teach children emotional intelligence (Bailey, 2012)

I have used these strategies based in bailey’s research and passed on the education research techniques to my families struggling with aggressive and challenging behaviors.  Teaching children, staff, and families emotional intelligence is a teaching style that will work with persistence and consistency.  Its benefits in my family specifically have given me piece of mind and less stressful mindset to raise my child that is diagnosed with ADHD.  My child has now has the strategies to deal with frustration and feelings that become overwhelming.

I have professionally and personally observed this research affect children and their families positively.

 

 

References

 

Bailey, B. (2012). Retrieved from Conscious Discilpline: http://consciousdiscipline.com/about/research_papers.asp

Pulling out my Hair!!

 

 

 

Oh My Stars!!!!  This research process is extremely trying.  I have picked a particularly popular topic to research and know just from job experience that there are a lot of studies that have been done in response to my chosen research topic.  I chose how to manage challenging behaviors inside the classroom.  This is stimulated by my own personal need to help support the 3 year classrooms that I currently supervise.   These rooms in particular are the other cause of sleepless nights despite my daytime efforts and strategies.  My 3 year old rooms are out of CONTROL!!!   As I have tried to research this topic I have come to realize that my worst fear has been realized and that is….. I am terrible at research.  I mean really is anyone else getting directed to sites that you have to pay and subscribe to in order to review the full articles?  Is anyone finding the ERIC search engine is difficult to use???  I am beyond frustrated with this process.  I even tried just straight Google ad that is getting about the same results.  I will need you all’s continued support and insight if I am going to make it through this class.  Please help if you have unlocked the secret to finding great journals that are quality.

Consequences and Inspirations

 The international community has a different perception of early years learning, internationally family member typically are baby sitters and learning centers educate.  This is foreign concept to the existing working American family.

International contacts have been personally non responsive to questions and insights.

Establishing links to International can damper collegial spirits become in established countries the education system is ranked way higher in national priority.

I hope to continue to try and establish a permanent professional relationship with a colleague from the international community to stay abreast on the educational challenges and success they achieve.

 

Thanks for a great 8 Weeks!

The issues that dominant the topics of discussion in my personal professional world seemed to be centered around training and special needs/ challenging behavior training.  Having the right tools in your teacher’s tool belt inside the classroom is essential for program success.  By looking at classrooms specific needs and training staff to handle those challenges can be the key to quality care, excellence in educators and professional reputation.  When a program is able to manage and support developmentally appropriate practices that build confidence and respect of families is when the field we are so passionate about becomes a career not a job.  In the program I currently operate requirements potential, continuous and annual training is required.  Our program assists with tuition assistance and annual specialized training. Conscious Discipline, Touch points and valued KIT trainings.

I can only hope that I can contribute to the military families and the early childhood education community. My goals of providing the best quality care available to sevicemen and women is something I hold very close to my heart.  Giving back to community that has given so much to my own family.  I know as I face the challenges and political hurdles I can continue to push the childcare profession in the military community to unexpected levels.  I would like to somehow start a literacy program that allows children to bring age appropriate books home and build relationships around families learning to love to read together.

Seeking additional Acessibility Resources

As I have been monitoring the Childcare Exchange website and receiving the e- newsletter, I was lucky enough to stumble upon an article retrievable from the exchange article resource tab.  The organization published an article about the challenges early childhood education worldwide.  In class I have be primarily focusing on my local community and the challenges with equity, and accessibility. It was eye opening to see that early childhood education is not solely an American issue.  You always think that other established countries have an advantage over our countries education system; however the article reveals that worldwide the early education is a struggle and declining in high quality accessible care.  The early year education is not an isolated concern in just your local neighborhood but unbelievably effect the world’s population of children.

 

 

References

Exchange Everyday. (2012). Retrieved from www.childcareexchange.com/eed/

All the Lanuages of Children

I recently listened to the pod cast from the world Forum that shared Sharon Lyons work with the Italian education system.  Lyons was able to observe new and progressive insight on how children use and view their learning environments. Lyons was so impressed by the Italian education system's demonstration of, “100 Languages of Children,” that she worked to bring the demonstration back to the U.S.   Lyons then created the Innovative teacher project that challenged educators to create a learning environment that would be progressive in it presentation and captivating for educators of all backgrounds. This project invited teacher to view children’s learning from many alternative perspectives (Lyons, 2011).

As educators it’s our role to always seek to understand how children learn, process, and adapt to the environments around them.  By understanding how a children learn we can also meet the each child where they are educationally.  Educators of children in group settings such as child development centers must create an environment that is equally adaptable for each child to be successful. 

References

Lyons, S. (2011, 210). World Forum Radio. (M. Kalinowski, Interviewer)

 

   What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?
    Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?
     I got an e-newsletter a few days ago that really stirred up interest and curiosity.  The article claims that research has been recently completed regarding how much screen time a small developing child should have and the consequences of its exposure.   It made me think what little training as educators we really have on the subject matter and what a significant impact it could have on our children’s development.  The research is actually claiming that the face time is actually rewiring the developing child’s brain that is unhealthy and will potentially create over stimulation and frustration.
   What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?
 
     It adds on how political affiliate that is pushing for more stringent television ratings and internet access is keeping with the standards of education that we need for our early learners.

 

   What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

 

      The other interesting fact is that researcher are trying to link screen time, game boys, Xbox, Ipads, smart phones, laptop use, and TV viewing that is not age appropriate to children who have ADHD.  The inability to focus or concentrate, frustration and aggression are huge educational hurdles when children are face with a traditional classroom setting.

 

Is China’s focusing just on Nuke’s?

China is faced with the same poverty issues as western civilization.

15 to 31, million people are believed to suffer in poverty stricken conditions.

The western part of the county is still going through economic growth and transition and way less developed and tends to have a higher percentage of poverty stricken citizens

China has a Minimum Living Standards (dibao) system has been developed since 1997 and by 2002 covered 23 per cent of poor urban households. Though this is the main form of social relief in urban China, there are concerns that the amounts allocated are too small to meet people's basic needs for food, clothing shelter, health and education.

 

It is clear that military wise that China focuses its resources to ensure that they are feared and represents as a Communist Economic powerhouse.  Focusing on the big picture, aside from eastern economic strengthen the department of social affairs has concerns of poverty the same as the U.S.

EXPANDING MY HORIZENS
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How to Motivate

September 12, 2012

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We do no great things, only small things with great love.
-Mother Teresa

"Motivation is not cheerleading. It's not about imploring the team to perform at a high level but inspiring them to do so," observes Tracey Ballas in her book, Targeted Leadership: Building a Team That Hits the Mark. "Motivation requires the leader's engagement, focus, and commitment. One of the best ways to motivate your team -- and the absolute cheapest way -- is to be visible and active in the workplace. People don't want their leaders behind some desk or locked in an office. Being out and interacting with your team, seeing what they see, dealing with what they deal with, being part of the day's performance means a lot to most people.

"This stems from a leadership principle that reminds leaders that they should not make their absence from the workplace a reward for good performance. The philosophy runs counter to some perceptions that say, 'The less I see of my boss the better.' Adhering to that negative approach is demotivating. Good leaders are inspiring. They help their team. They put to use their experience and ideas so their team can excel. You want good leaders around -- they are motivating just by being there."

Mission

Exchange is committed to supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in their efforts to craft early childhood environments where adults and children thrive – environments that foster friendship, curiosity, self-esteem, joy, and respect; where the talents of all are fully challenged and justly rewarded.
For over 33 years, Exchange Press, Inc. has promoted the exchange of ideas among leaders in early childhood programs worldwide through Exchange magazine, books, and training resources.

Here's my link to my international organization:
http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/


My link to the best newsletter you can get daily in your inbox:
http://www.childcareexchange.com/eed/

Dear Sir or Madame,

My name is Haley Johnson. I am currently a graduate student at Walden University studying Early Childhood Education. I am interested in establishing international professional contacts in my field of study. I would like to try to learn as much as possible about your work, the state of the early childhood field in your country, your concerns, as well as your hopes and dreams for Early Childhood Education. Please consider extending an inside look into your country and your organization.

An email correspondence will be greatly appreciated.

An Educating Hopeful,

Haley L. Johnson

johnsonhnc@yahoo.com

brasilia@unicef.org

damascus@unicef.org

 

 

“I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET!”

When you think of a crazy person running around with their hair on fire….

Welcome to a day in the life of Haley.

For this reason alone I need multiple supports in place to accomplish all of my responsibilities and make each day a success.

Over the years I have had to do a lot of reflection and ownership of bad habits and or weaknesses.  I have to challenge myself each day and put supports in order to function at the level I expect of myself.

I need support focusing.  I try and create lists that allow me to focus on each task in order of importance

I need support in getting to places on time.  I have all clocks set 20 minutes in advance.

I need support when speaking in front of staff.  I always create an agenda

I need support remembering the large number of conversations with staff.  I write down highlights of all conversation each day in my personal planner.

I need support remembering where I am suppose to be and at what time.  I have an iphone calendar, a daily planner, and a daily to do list that keeps track of all my adventures.

These supports help function and meet the expectations of not only my family and co workers but also of myself.  This support function as a working tools that helps me combat my personally character challenges.  If these were not in place I would struggle and most likely become very discouraged.  It’s unlikely that I would give up if I did not have these supports in place but it is the supports that help define me as an individual.  It is with this supports I find the inner courage and strength to believe that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

If I were to choose a challenge to walk a day and a life in it would be the challenges that a stroke survivor is faced with daily.  Being a survivor of a massive and potentially deadly stroke has left me unable to provide for my family, unable to drive, unable to speak my thoughts accurately, unable to physically engage in physical activity that I was once capable of, completely dependent upon medication to live day to day, and unable to fulfill my role a wife and mother in the capacity I was able prior to the stroke.  I need an alarm and a person who lays out my medications and sets a timer to alert me when it is time to take my medication.  I have a cane that helps assists me in walking and a disabled parking sign for the family vehicle so that I do not have to walk long distances. I have family members who attend speak therapy with me on a monthly basis to help me rebuild my communication as well as tools to help them better understand me.  I need the state to help me pay for my medical bills and ensure that my physician will continue my care since I can no longer work or get a job that will provide insurance for me.  I have a golf cart that was donated to me from the national stroke association for me to still have some short distance safe driving capabilities. I have a husband that is loving and supportive and has gladly stepped up to the plate of both mom and dad.  If I did not have these supports in place then my soul and will to live might as well have died with the part of my brain that was severely damaged from the stroke. It is these key support systems that allow me to sustain a life with dignity, respect, and self-worth.  I did not choose to get sick; I did nothing to cause a stroke.  I do chose to keep on living and this supports make it possible.

My Connections to Play

My Connections to Play

People tend to forget that play is serious.

David Hockney
Contemporary British painter

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw

  Growing up playing was not an option. I can remember that teachers would motivate the class to complete all of their work without door time.  I remember all of my elementary school; teacher playing with us not watching us.  My parents were hugely supportive of play.  My parent would send us outside and the only time we would come back is to use the bathroom or to eat.  My parents encouraged me and my three siblings to try any sport that we were curious about.  I love that growing up there were no cell phones, there were no Ipads.  Just sidewalk chalk and Barbies.  Kid’s today love to play the same as we did.  Their toys are different my entertaining and more realistic, but they are still toys.  Nothing will ever take the place of a good ole checker board, and kids will never get tired of a good game of hide and seek.  I think as the adults we have to show children the endless possibilities of play and that making a fort out of your mom’s dining room table and chairs and sheets is just as fun today as it was 30 years ago.  I think we need to take the focus off getting up and getting outside to play to combat childhood obesity but instead encourage getting your kids up and out and showing they can have fun! It’s my belief if you learn how to play as a child you will always be able to tap into the playful side of life.  A person has their entire life to be grown up, but only a brief moment in time to be a child.  Learn to love playing and you will love life.

Relationship Reflection

My children are my most highly valued relationships.  I cannot put one before the other or in a sequence of importance. Each of my children play a vital role in shaping the person I have become and who I strive to be as each new day passes.

My daughter Shelby who is 14 years old (looks 18) is my rock and comedian.  My relationship with her is one of mutual trust, respect, and understanding.  Through all of the hardships our family has faced it was up to her and I to make it right for the other two.  We joke and laugh and look at the positive side of life.  It is the relationship and bond that we share that allows us to be ourselves and like each other the person we are without reservations.  Shelby is a beautiful person who often time looks at the world through eyes of an experienced adult.  Shelby was the most difficult baby out of my three children and to this this day the most stubborn.  I enjoy that quality because she pushes me every day to be the best mom I can be.

Rhett Matthew my son of a wise 11 years is the only male in our household.  With that being said, he is also the most dramatic, and high maintenance.  Rhett was diagnosed at age 7 with ADHD.  A diagnosis that not only explained his behavior but changed my life forever.  His diagnoses changed the way I parented my children. As a young woman starting a family I thought that the best way to raise children was the way in which I was brought up.  A firm hand and instilment of old southern values.  After many nights of tears thinking that I was the worst mom I began to research Rhett’s diagnosis and learned an entire new way of handling his episodes, frustration, and abilities.  I was a new parent, a better parent and a more involved parent.  Rhett taught me that there are so many ways to reach your children and if the first path is blocked it ok to take the dirt road.  He taught me that compassion, understanding, and listening to your child is the foundation a love that he will always be able to carry with him and pass on.

                                                                                          

Emalyn Daisy my 7 year old butterfly of free spirit and love.  I chose to incorporate the name Ema in her first name because it is derived from the meaning, complete or whole.  Emalyn did exactly that on June 5^th 2005.  She completed my world and our family.  Emalyn is smart, funny, and adventurous and loves life.  The excitement I see in her eyes for each new day as it begins inspires me to make each day count and live life with no regrets.  Emalyn is very much the baby of the house but she is also the “mini” me of the children.  It is so funny that a little girl so small and so carefree can bring together a family like she does.  The thing that surprises me about Emalyn is that she is what people call an old sole.  She is not taken by the high tech social media of her generation, she ids my thumb sucking lovey carrying baby girl who on a weekly occasion asks me,” Mom do you know why I love you so much?”  I always respond, “I don’t know, why?” She says, “Because you did such a great job giving birth to me.”  Emalyn appreciates life; she appreciated a rainbow, the crickets chirping, a lost kitten, and the new fallen snow.  She reminds me every day that I am exactly where I need to be in life and to never take love or life for granted.

Knowing how to relate to my children as individuals first and as children second gives me an advantage when building a foundation for any relationship and or partnership.  Looking people as they appear individually will allow you let go of culturally based biases.  I have a general love of people.  Loving people and wanting to know what makes them unique and genuine is the best foundation for a lasting and valued relationship.

What I love about children

Children's games are hardly games. Children are never more serious than when they play.

MONTAIGNE, Essays

If a child is given love, he becomes loving ... If he's helped when he needs help, he becomes helpful. And if he has been truly valued at home ... he grows up secure enough to look beyond himself to the welfare of others.

DR. JOYCE BROTHERS, Good Housekeeping, Aug. 2010

Looking forward to the classes ahead and my future in childcare, I hope that the poem below will continue to inspire me. The poem I chose to share with everyone is posted by my desk at work.  I read every morning as I start my day and I read it everyday before I journey home.  It has made me appreciate and love the hard part of being a parent and want to help other parents really gain the perspective that will allow them to love parenthood.

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd fingerpaint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.

The hardest thing when assessing children is insuring that you have a true an accurate representation of the child during the assessment.  All children react differently to different environments.  We have many children in our program that could not be assessed in an office setting and had to have environment observing to take place so that the assessor could see the child in a routine setting.  When you look at the school system and the End of Grade testing that they do in my community, it is amazing that any child comes out with a score that accurately represents what the child has retained throughout the school year.  The school system spends the last month of school preparing the students to take these tests and all but scares them to death.  The children are instilled with fear of failing and not being promoted to the next grade. They have a fear they will get in trouble by their parents. They also have a fear that their peers will see that they failed and must retake the test and thus ridiculed for their test scores.  I know that the school system has in place if a child fails that school staff looks at the child’s attendance, final grades during each grading period, and finally if there were any mitigating circumstance that impaired the child’s ability to take the test.  For example were their interruptions? Was the child sick on the day of testing?  Did the student have an undiagnosed special learning ability?  Did the child not go to bed on time or had a late family emergency?  All of these things will contribute to a child’s test taking ability.  Testing would be much more accurate and useful if the test not only examined the child’s intellectual ability, but also their, emotional, cognitive and physical abilities.  The only time that a school system evaluates the “whole” child in when they want them assessed by a physiological professional.   

 Communities worldwide would function more efficiently if we judged people based on their abilities not their credentials.  As an administrator finding the right person for the right job has become increasingly more difficult, because the right person for the job may lack the resources to have the credentials to be qualified.  Communities around the globe struggle with these issues.  Internationally the assessing of children can vary greatly.  According to the World Bank Papers in Sub-Saharan Africa, students are assessed in similar type settings as American students (Group, 2012).  The major difference is that the children that are fortunate enough to attending school in these areas is that the students have much higher stakes.  If children cannot perform and pass the assessments they are unable to continue their education (Group, 2012). They are deemed not intelligent enough to represent the school; unlike US student’s future is simply postponed if the assessment is failed. In SSA a student fails the assessments they are deprived from any further education. 

In retrospect, looking at the “whole” picture children of the United States does have more opportunity for education. It is most common that all children will face stress of the assessment period and the results may vary based on the stressor the child is facing.  The only thing as educators we can push for is that assessments will also reveal a wider range of skills and abilities so that children are challenged in all areas of consideration, including social, cognitive, and physical areas of development. Hopefully In the future we will have children that are educated as well as well- rounded individuals.

Resources

Group, W. B. (2012, 6 4). Creating a National Conversation through Large-Scale Learning Assessments.

Stress of War on our Babies

In my military community that I provide childcare services for, War, hands down is the greatest stressor on all 302 children I provide care for.  I have two children in my facility that have lost a parent because of the current war we fight; others are left for months and years at a time without a parent or both.  The stress to a child to have to an inconsistent home life as well as not a consistent parental figure in their life makes for some significant challenging behaviors.  I have seen a huge increase in the last five years of inappropriate discipline that has to be investigated.  For example, a parent who has been deployed for eight –ten months has not experienced with their child the different stages of development doesn’t understand why her child is having such difficult potty training.  The child has numerous accidents and the one time put mom over the edge and she spanks her child so hard there are black and blue bruise left behind on the child’s backside.  Unfortunate as it may seem the child is having bathroom accidents due to her environment.  Mom is stressed, does not know how to relate to her own child, child is frustrated because grandma who has been caring for her the past eight months is no longer around, and now I have to live with mommy and go to this school every day.  The child is in control none of the things that are happening to her.  The only thing children from ages 2-6 can control is if they are going to eat or not, and when they go potty.    The two things we as adults cannot force them to conform are how they eat and when bowl movement will or won’t happen.    This leads to huge stress in military families.   The many impacts of war on children’s lives are unbelievable.  Fallen parents, financial hardships, inconsistent parenting, disabled physically and mentally that impact a parent’s ability to care for their child, challenging behaviors, divorce, and above all child who do not cognitively, biosocial, and psychosocially develop at the rates of non military families.  Now I know in that back of your mind you are thinking that child abuse, neglect, and blended parenting styles are affecting children globally.  I am trying to illustrate that in it a huge concern for our children of war on how and if society will ever truly understand the impact it has in our own background.  These children of war need our love and support.  I am just glad that I am able to be a part of an organization and government program that offer the best childcare in the given area for these children to have access to all the resources and support and a state of the art facility to learn and grow, yet most of all feel loved and appreciated.

It is not only American children who have felt the stressors of War since we began fight terrorism in the Middle East, the children of Iraq are no longer free to be children.  Most cannot even attend local schools.  An article in the guardian published by Michael Howard in 2007 illustrated Iraqi children undergoing and being eyewitness to thing children should hear, see, or know about (Howard, 2007). “The Association of Iraqi Psychologists (API) said the violence had affected millions of children, raising serious concerns for future generations (Howard, 2007).”  War is not isolated to our country, or the country we are liberating.  War is a tragedy that affects our children for generations to come.  Society needs to ban together and support these children of war before our future is altered forever.

Howard, M. (2007, Feb 5). The Guardian. Retrieved from Children of War: The generation traumatised by violence in Iraq: www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/06/iraq.topstorie

Mother and Fathers Mental Stability

I would guess the mental health of mothers, fathers and families would be the most prevalent on my mind in recent days.  As I oversee the c are of 302 children, I have gotten a lot of experience getting to know families and their abilities to cope with child rearing issues and concerns.  The majority of the families that my facility serves are enlisted service men and women.  When looking at the population of enlisted families most come from challenging backgrounds, and usually join the military to expand and diversify more than likely limited resources and life opportunities. Having said that, it has been in my experience that the military community has high populations of births to young newlywed parents. This population of parents is faced with tremendous stressor that can result in an emotional unstable environment for children.  For instances,  a young 18 yr old girl marries the hometown hero and just as they are stationed at their first duty station on the other side of the country, or perhaps the world, they find out they are expecting.  Not only are they expecting but the service member has just received orders to a war zone.  The young girl has to endure the pregnancy and birth with little to no support system. Her husband returns home with injuries, and emotional instability that does not allow him to readjust to a “routine” way of life.  The struggles of the physical and emotional toll the war has placed on this family now the burden of a postpartum mother with a new baby and very little money, and a husband who cannot reconnect. 

I know it sounds like an episode of Army Wives, but this is daily life for us aboard Camp Lejeune.  We deal with parents and family member who do not have the emotional and psychological stability to raise children.  It amazes me in a world of regulation and rules and licensure that there is no perquisite to have children.  You have to have a license to run a business, to get married, to drive a car, to teach, but to have a child or raise a baby…. Just sign here and show me that you have a functioning car seat and Congratulations you are a PARENT!!!!!

China has a one birth regulation that limits the population growth. This subsequently leads to gender abortions and adoptions.  The culture of China celebrates the birth of a male child. If parents are expected to have a male to carry the family name then often time if a female child is delivered then it is placed for adoption, or parents find out early in the pregnancy to determine the sex of the baby and abort if necessary. 

I am not saying that government should have this much authority to regulate child births in the United States.  I do believe it is our human right to reproduce.  I would just like for the government to educate the parents prior to deciding to have a child and what a stress, emotional, demanding, life altering responsibility it is.  I think education vice regulation is the key.  Helping couples decide if they are emotional, and psychologically prepared to raise a child.

Miracle to Birth

I have been blessed with three miracle births in my lifetime.  It is very hard to pick just one of those experiences to write about.  If I had to choose just one experience to write about I would chose the birth of my first child, Shelby.  I was twenty years old and had been married only two years.  I can remember being extremely sick and laying in bed coughing and coughing.  I had called my then husband and can remember he would not come home, and we only had one car.  I had gotten up to get a drink at the sink when I all of a sudden began to pee down my leg…  It was not pee.  It was my water.  I called my mom, and then my doctor, and husband.  Off to the hospital we went.  After several tests it was determined I have suffered pre-rupture of membranes and I was 34 weeks pregnant.  Doctors admitted me to labor and deliver and after a million pricks and sticks I began being induced.  After 9 hours of active labor I was only at 4 centimeters dilated and my parents had arrived.  The induction continued for 65 more hours.  I had to have three epidurals and final reached the “crowning” moment.  Life flight was standing by to transport my newborn baby to a hospital that had a neonatal intensive care unit.  I delivered my 6 pound baby girl 5 weeks early.  I ended up fracturing my tailbone and cracking three ribs due to the relentless labor and side affect from being inducted for 3 days straight.  I was so worried that my baby would be premature and not be able to breathe on her own.  I awaited doctors assessment of her and the next thing I see is my mom crying.  I thought, “Something terrible has happen.”  They were tears of joy!  My mom cried, “She’s perfect!”  I started crying with her.  Shelby did not have to be transported and was very stable but doctors were placing her in an oxygen supplement tank for the first few hours and were going to observe her.  I was told that I was not going to be able to hold my new baby for a little while longer.  Finally after four hours they wheel me into the small isolation room in the nursery.  They she was… Laying there with her feet in the air, IV’s in each tiny hand, and oxygen capsule over her head, she was ok.   I was so terrified that something was wrong with my precious gift from above.  After close observation and series of testing the only thing doctors could determine was that Shelby’s eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails had not formed yet.  She was slightly jaundice, but otherwise a healthy baby girl.  It was later discovered that the preterm labor caused severe acid reflux disease that she still battle even today.  She also had severely under developed estuation tubes, which resulted in multiple surgeries on her ears and 20% hearing loss in her right ear.   As a young mom not knowing what difficulties would face me in my child’s early development, I have learned that preterm labor can affect children long after birth.  In the moment you just hope for a textbook pregnancy and delivery. When things do not go as planned, it’s then you hope that the decisions you make as a parent will not hinder your child’s normal child development.

Having a baby in Japan

I read several articles about births in Japan.  Their culture those modernized is still very different.  The United States is a very much customer service based economy.  What customers want they get.  In Japan luxuries are a privilege and have to be respected know matter if the customer can afford or not.  For instance, In Japan doctors are respected and treated the all knowing authority and not to be questioned.  It is their status among society that they would not be a doctor unless they knew the “right” decisions to make.  So as a new mom to ask for specific treatment or to question a doctor’s methods is unheard and considered rude.   The natural non intervention methods of the western communities do not happen in Japan.  Hospitals are designed just for births and the request weather to receive drugs or the position in which the mother feels most comfortable to deliver is not up to the patient it is ordered by the Sensei or Doctor.  It brings me to a realization that western child development is a matter of taste and questionability.  In cultures like Japan development is decided for a child and a parent follows through on the instructions and does not question what is best for their child.  We are very privileged in America to have so many choices and opinions.

Gray, A. (2012, April). Giving Birth, having a baby in Japan. Retrieved from global compassion: http://www.globalcompassion.com/japan-birth.htm