Reseach that Benefits Children and Families...Uplifting Stories

 

Many positives have come of research on children and families.  We have spent many years and dollars learning about every aspect of human development. One very positive I can think of up front is the research we have done on understanding developmental disabilities.  In times past if a child was born with a disability, they may have been institutionalized, left to their own devises or abused by unknowing or uneducated caregivers.  We have spent years learning about disabilities and genetic anomalies like Downs Syndrome and the Autism Spectrum Disorders. Because of that research, children with these disorders and syndromes can be connected with early intervention programs and continuing education that teaches them skills that could lead to living an independent and successful life.

Over the years there have been numerous studies done that have improved the quality of life for the human condition.  I imagine it is through this continued research that we will continue to grow and change and continue to make important discoveries that will change how we understand human development.

EDUC-6163~My Research Journey

This semester we are engaging in a research simulation, which means we will be creating a “mock” research study to become familiar with the process and all that is related to conducting field research in the Early Childhood realm. The domain of research for this simulation falls into social and emotional development and relates to attachment.  Some subtopics of interest are:

1.      How are healthy attachment made in the early years?

2.      What are the types of attachments that children can have, and what implications do they have for measuring success or failure in building relationships with others, and becoming resilient?

3.       In what ways can parents, teachers and practitioners help children repair less than desirable attachments and what are those less than desirable attachments?

This is important to me as an Aunt of two boys who have attachment disorders/difficulties. I currently have custody of my two nephews; they have been with my mother and me for three years.  We have been working through these difficulties ever since.  We have had some behavioral problems at school, both boys are being medicated at this time for ADHD/Bi-Polar, and we are seeking outside help from a psychologist or therapist to work on getting through these difficult times.

As a professional I can use the information to help with children and families in my child care program, I can also use this new knowledge to serve as an advocate for better mental health and early childhood services for at risk children. The third way I can use this information is to create trainings for early childhood teachers, staff and administrators on the importance of building secure relationships with the children they serve.