Consequences of Stress on Children’s Development

A close friend of mine had an unfortunate childhood.  This was due mainly to growing up in impoverished conditions.  His environment consisted of extremely poor living conditions, verbal abuse, raising his younger siblings (forced to be an adult at a young age) and an environment that was not conducive to the positive development of a child. My friend had an outlet that provided him with ongoing opportunities to cope, as well as, survive.  These coping and survival opportunities were granted during his visits to his grandmother and father.  The visits would take him "out" and "away" from his impoverished environment.  Although, he had opportunities to see and experience a positive and healthy environment, it was not enough, as what he needed was to experience a positive, healthy and loving environment in a stable, consistent manner, especially from his mother.  The ramifications were extensive. Although, he has done quite well for himself, (graduating from college, as well as, graduate school and having a successful career), he has severe trust issues, is a survivor verbal abuse and has trouble initiating relationships.  He is a great guy and has a big heart.  Despite such, he admits to having a "fort knox" built around his heart, which is evident.  On the positive side, he is very loyal, honest, a workaholic (blessing and curse) and great team player.  He is blessed because he knew his weaknesses and was able to find  resources through therapy and counseling that are constantly enabling him to improve his quality of life.

 Although, child poverty is prevalent everywhere, I struggle with concentrating my research in other countries, as child poverty is"right here" at home, in the United States.  "Nearly 15 million children in the United States – 21% of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level – $22,050 a year for a family of four. Research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice that level to cover basic expenses. Using this standard, 42% of children live in low-income families" (http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html).  "Most of these children have parents who work, but low wages and unstable employment leave their families struggling to make ends meet. Poverty can impede children’s ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Poverty also can contribute to poor health and mental health. Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty"(http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html). 

I believe children that grow up in poverty develop resilience, determination, mistrust, chronic stress and self-dependence.  I believe that learn how to survive by any means necessary.  

• Child poverty rates are highest among black, Latino, and American Indian children (http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html).
• Across the states, official child poverty rates range from 10% in New Hampshire to 30% in Mississippi (http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html).
• Some stressors of Child Poverty can include size of family household, education status of parents, marital status, employment status and the surrounding community.

"Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. But effective public policies – to make work pay for low-income parents and to provide high-quality early care and learning experiences for their children – can make a difference. Investments in the most vulnerable children are also critical" (http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html).  Investments in America's most vulnerable children that can help address poverty include, increased and secure funding for Head Start, increased and secure funding for high-quality child care and child care workers, secure funding for adequate public housing and law enforcement, increased and secure funding for job training programs and public policies that will allow reasonable, healthy, logical and realistic opportunities for uneducated parents/families to achieve true self-sufficiency and asset development.