Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

 

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.” - J.R.R Tolkien

A positive example of the effects of research on children can be read on the web. I read an article titled " Working Moms’ Kids Turn Out Fine, 50 Years of Research Says" written by Belinda Luscombe. The article discussed the ways in which children grew up just fine when they had mothers who had to work. There were little to none behavioral problems.  Researchers did find positive associations.

I feel that research on children gives us the opportunity to be more knowledgeable on topics. It allows us to read on the topic we are interested in/learning about so we can teach others what we know and make a difference/help others. There are positive effects on research on children. There will always be negative effects of research but there will be positive effects of research on children as well. There are many articles out there that are positive and that show professionals/parents the positives to a topic/subject such as the one I listed above.

Reference:

Luscombe, B. (2010, October 18). Working moms’ kids turn out fine, 50 years of research says read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/18/working-moms-kids-turn-out-fine-50-years-of-research-says/

My Personal Research Journey

My chosen topic for the simulation is CHILD OBESITY/THE EFFECTS OF CHILD OBESITY.  I chose to write about and study this topic because I feel it's such an important topic and a lot of time the problem goes ignored by many. Child obesity and the effects of child obesity are such a major problem all around the world;  especially in America.  I find that this topic is very crucial to learn more about. As a Mommy and a future educator, I want to become more knowledgeable on the topic and help prevent this problem in anyway that I can. 

I was never obese as a child but I remember going to school with many friends/children that were obese. Even today.. I see it often and it just breaks my heart to see so many children suffering through this disease. I was at my OBGYN appointment last week and in the waiting room was a mother, a father, and a little boy (No older then two years old) he was obviously obese, he was panting as he breathed and I believe his weight had affected his speech in a way. What was his parents giving him to eat in order to keep quiet while waiting? A big bag of peanut M & M's. I'm sitting there in the waiting room watching this family (Not making it too obvious that I felt bad for the child) not being judgmental, but just asking myself why couldn't they have brought their son an apple, a yogurt, or even a string cheese? Why don't parents choose healthier foods for their children? I can't fathom that. It's simple... the effects of child obesity are harsh. Are parents to blame? Is it the child's fault? Should parents of obese children be classified as negligent parents? I have seen firsthand the effects of child obesity.... they are no fun.

Insights that I have gained this week have been how to conduct research, I have learned some new definitions in our required readings/book for the course, and the more I research about child obesity, the more I learn about it! 

Friends... classmates... do you have any advice or insight that might help me with this process and/or with this course? I'd appreciate any resources you're willing to share with me! I have posted some great links to websites on child obesity that I plan on using throughout the course in regards to this specific topic!

 

 

Helpful links on child obesity:

 

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children_and_teens

http://children.webmd.com/obesity-children

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/obesity_in_children/article_em.htm

http://www.childobesity.com/