Child Abuse

 

Child Abuse in America

Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children. In 2007, approximately 5.8 million children were involved in an estimated 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations.
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics

Child Abuse in England

I was curious about abuse in England. I found over 80% of children killed or seriously hurt through neglect or abuse were not on England's child protection registers, it has been reported. Only 33 of the 189 children whose death or injury in 2005 to 2007 led to a review were on the registers.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7730939.stm

As a kindergarten teacher I experienced a horrible situation where a grandmother was abusing her grandson.  The child was so smart, I was going to work one on one with him to see just how much he knew.  It was at that time he showed me huge bruises on his legs. I reported the incident and things were not so pleasant afterwards. However, I did see the child again at another school district and his father has custody. The child has some behavior issues in school, but he has the sweetest disposition. I like to think I helped prevent any further abuse.

I just do not understand how anyone could harm a child. All children disobeys and if a parent is that angry, he or she should walk away and take deep breaths.  Or if they feel the need to hit something then hit a wall it's fixable, but a childs emotional development will be damaged for life.

 

Access to healthy water

Americans are so fortunate to have access to daily drinking water.  Decades ago thanks to The Water Act and other pieces of legislation we have water for daily use.  Past presidents expressed a need to regulate pollutants and other hazardous chemicals that flow into our rivers and streams.  This allows us to have water fountains in public places, we are able to bottle water for activities, and enjoy the benefits of healthy water.

In Africa the children are not as fortunate.  A lack of access to clean water kills nearly two million children a year and stunts prospects for economic growth in the world's poorest country.  More than 2.6 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation and dirty water claims more lives than AIDS or conflicts, according to the UN's annual Human Development Report, released in South Africa.

I have read articles and watched various reports, but I did not know that more children died from lack of water versus AIDS. We as American’s just do not know how blessed we are.

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Lack_Of_Clean_Water_Strengthens_Poverty_Trap_999.html

Happy Mother’s Day

A mother’s heart is a child’s classroom.

There is just something special about that first newborn. Unexpectedly, my first daughter was an amazing 45 weeks old and a cesarean. I was beginning to think I would never give birth. However, my doctors were monitoring her and she was very healthy and normal. She is now 30 years old and even today we have an amazing bond.

Until this assignment I really haven’t given childbirth in other countries any thought. I talked with a friend from India and found out many fascinating facts. For example:

      Men do not go into the labor room ever.

      If the baby is delivered by cesarean the mother is not allowed to do any thing for 3months and can you believe this: If it’s the first born the mothers parents are responsible for all the expenses.

      One more fact I learned was on the 21^st day after birth they have a huge celebration. Everyone they know is invited to see the new born.

When she came to America she was amazed how American women get out within 3 to 4 days after birth. This chat was fun we laughed and laughed.