Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

I am not able to recall knowing someone well enough from my childhood who had major stressors in their lives. However, I do work with a number of families who have and are experiencing poverty. Sadly, many families are struggling with not having enough money for bills, food, and other necessities. One family in particular, brings home one income to provide for all six family members. As their income is based on minimum wage, they do not bring enough money home to support them. This family relies on food stamps and cash grants to pay for their food and bills. They will also use their local food pantry when supplies run low. As a home visitor it is my responsibility to support this family by making them aware of all the community resources in their area. This past summer their entire roof was leaking and they had mold in between their walls. As they knew the importance of getting their roof fixed, they were not able to afford it. Getting their roof fixed was the means to survival for this family. After asking other community members, I found a roofing company that was involved in a church. This roofing business partnered with their church and provided this family with a new roof as part of their community service. Everything seems to be hard for this family. Poverty does not only involve not having enough, but it can affect your health as well. The parents are struggling with depression and trying to keep their marriage together. The children are also effected. They don't have to worry about how they are going to get enough money, but they are forced to listen to mom and dad fighting and how their parents are too depressed to play with them. Poverty affects families in all areas of their life.

I chose to research Zambia, which is a country in Africa. This country's population is approximately 12.9 million. English is the official language in Zambia, however the main local language is Nyanja, especially in Lusaka. Life expectency is about 39 years and the infant mortality rate is 101 per 1,000 births. Tuition in Zambia is free until age 7 and most children drop out at this age once tuition needs to be paid. About two-thirds of Zambians live in poverty. HIV/AIDS is the nation's greatest challenge, as approximately 14.3% are affected by this disease. Approximately, 120,000 children in Zambia are affected by HIV/Aids. HIV/Aids is this countries biggest stressor. Many attempts have been made in Zambia to make awareness about HIV. Campaigns, anti-aid clubs, awareness on television, radio and press are all involved in bringing awareness to the people in Zambia. There are still many misconceptions about HIV/Aids in Zambia. About two-thirds of young people in Zambia are not able to correctly identify ways this disease spreads. As treatment for HIV/Aids is necessary, it is essential that Zambia continues to receive support and funding for the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Each stressor that a person faces, greatly impacts their life. In order to overcome these stressors, people need to have supports in place. Without the proper support, people may never overcome these difficulties. As each person or family experiences stressors their education, development, and health may be effected.

Resource:

U.S. Department of State. (2010, September). Background Note: Zambia. Retrieved from
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2359.htm