Reflection 3- Drug and Alcohol Families

Parental drug and alcohol abuse is a huge factor in child abuse and neglect. There is typically more violence in these homes, and no matter whom it is directed toward (the spouses or children) it can cause lifelong psychological damage to the children. Children raised in the homes of substance abusers may face some of the same issues as those living in poverty: lack of parenting. The abuser may be more focused on his or her addiction than taking care of a child. Being raised in a home like this will undoubtedly have effects on the child at school. It would be hard for the student to give complete attention to schoolwork and learning with such a stressful home life. At home, life may be chaotic and unpredictable, and school may be a place of stability and routine for the student. It is important to identify if a child is living in the home of a substance abuser, because it could not only lead to emotional/physical damage, but the child is also more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol as well.

Reflection 2

Poverty is a huge problem in America, and it has a strong negative effect on our youth. A child living in this situation has a burden that no child should have to deal with. Not only is home life difficult, if they even have a home, but this also causes stress on school life. A child living in poverty may not have the proper nutrition at home, causing a lack of focus on schoolwork. These children may not have proper clothing for the weather, which can be not only unhealthy, but also embarrassing. Most parents living in poverty have at least one job, which puts more stress on the children at home. They may be in charge of younger siblings, or just left home alone. This doesn’t leave much time for homework, and even if the child does schoolwork at home, the parents aren’t there to help. The parents may also not put stress on the importance of even attending school or finishing, let alone going on to get a college degree. If these children do not learn the importance of an education early in life, they most likely will have no motivation to further their education as adults.

 

With poverty continually rising in the country, having a child in your class from a family in need is quite a possibility. As a teacher, I would want to give these students plenty of support and encouragement to do well in school, because they might not receive this at home. I would want them feeling comfortable to ask me for help, and feel that I am an adult they can trust. Making sure my students have proper school supplies is a must, even if it would mean using some of my own money. I would try to set up a free breakfast program at the school to ensure no student has to start the day without a chance to eat a healthy breakfast. These are just a few ways that I think students living in poverty could benefit from help from the teacher/school. This would be a tough situation to deal with, but above all I would want the student to know that I care for him or her, and I am there help them in any way possible.