Reading the article Child rearing practices of distant ancestors foster morality, compassion in kids sent me back to reflect on my childhood and the parenting strategies my mother and father used to raise me. Being a fraternal twin, I have spent the last 20 years living, breathing, enjoying the things in life with someone just like me. I believe that my parents did quite a good job raising two twin boys ( not to mention that I am one of 5 children in my family including another set of twins!). I was definitely a "mamas" boy and spent a lot of time being cuddled, held, touched, and was the center of attention as much as I could try. I was never a spoiled baby, but was always nurtured and cared for by my mom who has this incredible sense of motherly instincts that bid me well in my early childhood to growing up to be who I am today. When I was first born, both of my parents were working full time in the cities and did not really plan to have two children at that time, so I spent a lot of my time at a day care center with my brother. The day care provider who basically helped raise me and my brother Matt was one that gave her love and passion to the kids and is still close to my family today. So I grew up being around other children, playing outdoors, and being in a positive environment that laid the foundation of my moral sense and well being. The article focuses on the research of parenting strategies of present day parents, to those of our ancestors and how they 'reared' their children. The studies show that children now spend less time being coddled, nurtured, breast feeding, and warm responsive care giving that helps a child develop a moral and individual sense of who they are and how they interact with others. To me, this was surprising to find I guess I didn't realize that the U.S is on a "downward trajectory" and that more infants are spending less time in the arms of their guardians and more time in car seats, strollers, or buggies. Don't get me wrong, I spent quite a lot of time in the bicycle buggy and baby backpack that my parents provided for me and my brother so I see how parents have other things to occupy their time ( work, stress, other children ) so it makes sense. But I thought family sizes in the U.S were decreasing? The article states that kids who spent more time playing by themselves and not playing with other 'multi age' children they suffer from disorders such as ADD and ADHD because their parents wouldn't allow as much free play. The writer also notes that the well being of children is worse than it was 50 years ago, that there is a higher delinquency rate and aggression in younger kids, and that empathy and moral behavior has decreased among college students. This may be true, but this is just one researcher and one individuals research perception on this subject. I can see both sides of this issue, but I can't really argue against it. I could definitely see this becoming a rising problem. Interesting article, made me reflect on my childhood and how I was raised, as well as the things I would need to do when I become a parent to ensure the moral stability and over all well being of my child when they grow up.
On a second note, I would also like to add something. I just wanted to say how infuential and inspiring our speaker was last night (9/28) about Hawaiian culture, language, land, and spirituality regarding the ancient Hawaiian culture and how they prospered on these islands long before europeans came to invade the island. I just never knew (realized) how connected the ancient Hawaiian people thrived and created a prosperous, deeply spiritual connection with the people and the land. I was just in awe. After the lecture was over, my friends and I who were in the class were all in agreement and we just talked about what was said, the connections we made with the speaker and his information. I have to say he was the best speaker we have been fortunate enough to listen to, and I hope that we will get another chance to meet with him in the future. I could probably go on and on about this, but my hunger drives me to end this blog.
I will post another shortly!
great post! thank you. it's good to question the information that comes before you. you're right. there are two or more sides to every story and researchers tend to seek support for whatever theory they are developing. glad you liked ramsay. i'll see if he's free to speak in class another time before end of semester.
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