Week 3- Research that Benefits Children and Families

             Research that Benefits Children and Families

A published research article that provides positive examples of the effects of research on children and/or families is the “Benefits of Breastfeeding” by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. I chose this article because it interests me since I have breastfeed both of my sons and plan on continuing to do so with my daughter who will be born in August. I found this study to be of minimal risk to children because they were not subjected to physical harm and children either breastfeed or formula feed were still receiving the proper nutrition. The article is divided into three sections: benefits to the infant, benefits to the mother, and economic benefits. Some of the benefits to the infant include: healthy meals at an early age, a decreased risk of SIDS/illnesses/infections/type 1 diabetes/allergic reactions, and physical/emotional bonds with the mother. “Indirect evidence suggests that overweight and obesity occur less often among children who were breastfed. In addition, research has shown a connection between breastfeeding and better cognitive development in children through school age” (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 2014, para 1). Some benefits to the mother are: increased weight loss after birth, attachment benefits with infant, decreased amount of blood lost after birth, and decreased risk of postpartum depression/health issues later on. Economic benefits due to breastfeeding in the United States are: saving money on formula, less doctor visits which will cost money, and allowing for parents to take less time off work to attend to a sick child.

While researching a study on the benefits of breastmilk I came across the University of Massachusetts Breastmilk Lab’s website asking for breastmilk donations to conduct more research. The website provided the goals of the research, the research interests, and some of the recent studies that have been conducted. I enjoyed reading the studies that have been conducted and what studies they are considering. I found it interesting that women donate milk for a research study because during my last nursing experience I donated to a milk bank for premature babies that were in need. It was so rewarding knowing that infants in need were using my milk for health reasons. I did not even think about donating for research purposes. I had to fill out many forms, be interviewed, and have blood work done before the bank would even accept my milk. I wonder if it is the same when donating for research?

References

Arcaro. K. University of Massachusetts Breastmilk Lab. Retrieved from http://www.breastmilkresearch.org/current-research-projects.html

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2014). What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/breastfeeding/conditioninfo/pages/benefits.aspx

Week 2-My Personal Research Journey

My Personal Research Journey

The general topic I have started with related to the early childhood field I want to research is the social-emotional development and needs of young children and toddlers. I chose to research this because I work with young children and I have young children of my own. The subtopic that I will be focusing on is the effect an absent parent figure has on children. For example, due to job demands and/or divorce. I chose this subtopic because my own husband, as well as several parents of my students is away from the home for extended periods of time. I feel that by focusing on this topic it will provide me with knowledge to help understand my children and students’ unique family situations,  give me the ability to plan and be proactive to help meet their needs, and help families when they encounter a family member being absent for a duration of time. I have found through my own experiences that every child handles this differently and I want to be able to support him/her the best I can. I have seen my now four year old react differently every time his father leaves and my 22 month old have a reaction for the first time several months ago.

My personal experience with this simulation process has been enlightening. I was initially concerned that I may be the only one with limited research experience. However, after conversing though discussion posts, I realize that I am not the only one. I am looking forward to supporting each other through this simulation process. Choosing my topic was not very difficult because I have a personal and professional interest in it. The required readings have helped explain how I will proceed through the research process.

Insights I have gained from constructing the research chart are knowledge about new research vocabulary and understanding the different steps in the research process. Having to summarize new research key terms helped me clarify and understand the required reading. I enjoyed looking deeper into the “data collection” step. I think this is a step I will find interesting. Data collection is a time where you get to use techniques such as observe, take surveys, and conduct interviews.

I welcome insight from my colleagues about my topic. If anyone has personal or professional experience with children who have an absent parent figure I would appreciate your input. I am in the process of finding relevant resources about this. If you have any credible resources I would love to review them. I am also willing to share my resources if they pertain to your topic.

My Supports

I have many different factors in my life that support me in my daily environment including my husband, family members, and co-workers. My husband supports me by always encouraging me and being a shoulder to lean on, my family is a support by always being a positive influence and providing me with guidance, and my co-workers are a support to me by working collaboratively with one another. There are many benefits of having these supports in my life. The benefit from my husband’s support is the encouragement he gives me which keeps me going in this Master’s program. I work full time and am a single parent when he is overseas so his encouragement helps a lot. My family’s support is the help I receive when my husband is gone. They help with childcare when I do this Master’s work. The benefit from my colleagues is the collaboration we have that makes the job more manageable. If I did not have these supports in my life I would not be able to do everything I do: parent, work, and pursue a Master’s degree.

A challenge I chose to imagine is a scenario that could be real in my life. This scenario is my husband getting a job in another state and us having to move out of Michigan. This would be a challenge for me because my husband works overseas and I am a single parent when he is away. My parents help support me and are a big part of my life especially when my husband is gone. If this did happen in my life I would need new supports such as a close friend maybe going through the same thing as myself.  We could share the support system. The benefit of having this support would be that I could still balance parenting, work, and school. If this support was not there I could not balance it all by myself. I would have to give up work or school because obviously giving up parenting is not a choice.  Another impact is that I would be lonely without family around. I feel very blessed with the supports I currently have in my life. I never take them for granted!

My Connections to Play

Two quotes that I feel summarize what play represented for my childhood are:

Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.

Kay Redfield Jamison
Contemporary American professor of psychiatry

Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.

O. Fred Donaldson
Contemporary American martial arts master

Three pictures of essential play items from my childhood are a play structure, dress up clothes, and a bike.

-I chose a picture of a play structure because I have many memories of playing on our structure with my brother, neighborhood kids, and all my cousins. I recall always being around family members and playing with other children. It is a special part of my childhood.

-I chose a picture of dress up clothes because I always loved playing dress up with my friends.

-I chose a bike because I remember being outside playing a lot. I loved riding my bike. My cousins lived close by and I remember riding my bike to their house to play.

My parents supported play when I was younger by providing opportunities for me to play even when life was stressful and busy. My parents also were involved in some of my play, which showed me that they valued play too.

Play is different than when I grew up because there are fewer opportunities, more structure, and less freedom. The economy has forced stress on families such as job responsibilities. This added stress has taken away time and energy for families and children to engage in play. After school activities and sports allow for little unstructured playtime. Now team sports start at a younger age than when I grew up. This issue of safety also has affected the freedom of play. Children of toady are not allowed as much freedom outside. We used to ride our bikes to our cousins house and around the neighborhood whereas today parents feel less secure letting their children “roam” unattended. My hope for children regarding play is that they are given many different opportunities to explore their world without unnecessary restrictions.

The role of play is critical in a child’s development. “Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children. Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it. It allows them to digest life and make it their own. It is an outlet for the fullness of their creativity, and it is an absolutely critical part of their childhood. With creative play, children blossom and flourish; without it, they suffer a serious decline” (Almon 2002, p.1). As a parent and an educator I will continue to advocate for play in my children’s and student’s lives.

References

Almon, K. (2002). The vital role of play in early childhood education. Gateways, 43. Retrieved from http://www.waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf

Strong. (2015). Play Quotes. The Strong National Museun of Play. Retrieved from http://www.museumofplay.org/education/education-and-play-resources/play-quotes

 

Relationship Reflection (Week 1)

Relationship Reflection 

Relationships/partnerships are very important to me. I feel the special relationships I have created over time have helped shape me as a wife, mother, educator, and friend. With strong positive relationships in my life I feel loved, healthy, and content. “There is compelling evidence that strong relationships contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life. Research shows that healthy relationships can help you: live longer, deal with stress, be healthier, and feel richer” (Kreitzer, 2013). 

Two people who have always been a big part of my life and I have very positive relationships with are my mother and father. Factors that have contributed to developing our positive relationship are the way they nurtured me over the years. They showed me how to be an honest, caring person and how to create relationships. They did this by being affectionate, devoted, honest, supportive, and caring individuals. In our relationship my parents supported me, loved me unconditionally, made me feel special by making me a priority, and stayed involved in my activities and my personal life. To contribute to our relationships I show love, affection, support, spend time with them, and have a genuine friendship with each of them. Now that our relationship has matured over time, and I am an adult, I continue to spend quality time with them and love our close bond. To maintain these positive relationships my parents and I are open and honest with each other. We are always there for each other even when times get tough. When one of us is down and grumpy we don’t hold it against each other. We do not hold grudges. Now my own children are benefiting from our relationships. They are learning the same things I did as a child.  I hope my relationships with them continue to grow. I am truly blessed to have my mother and father in my life and the relationships we have created over the years. 

There are challenges to developing and maintaining relationships. Through my experiences I have learned that judging others and not being totally honest causes tension.  “Healthy ways to forge an adult relationship with your parents and enhance what might not always have been the strongest of bonds are to:  think of them as fellow adults, rather than as your parents, talk to your parents as friends, keep your sense of humor, tell your parents what bothers you, don’t ask for advice or opinions unless you really want it, don’t ask for help with your latest personal or financial crisis, and create opportunities for exploring and uncovering memoires. Help your parents preserve their memories on video, express your appreciation, rediscover and share mutual interests, be honest, look for common activities, don’t allow them to channel guilt at you, and grant them their independence too” (Health, 2014).

The relationship with my parents has definitely impacted my work as an early childhood educator. The way I was treated taught me the significance of healthy adult/child interactions. I know that teachers of young children can make a life long difference. I teach children that are at a stage of development where they can be greatly affected by relationships.

References

Health, S. (2014). Maintain a Healthy Relationship With Your Parents. Readers Digest. Retrieved from http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/maintain-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-parents/

Kreitzer, M. (2013). Why Personal Relationships Are Important. Center for Spirituality & Healing. Retrieved from http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/relationships/why-personal-relationships-are-important