Stressors

Hi Everyone,

I did not personally experience any stressors listed but, I am guardian to two great nephews who have experienced multiple stressors in their young lives. My nephews were were exposed to violence, isolation, poverty and hunger. Their mother is on drugs, I received guardianship of my nephews two years ago. My nephews talk about how they would not see their mother for days at a time. She would leave them home alone. Sometimes they would ome home and have nothing to eat. They would often have to get themselves dressed for school in dirty, torn clothes and the children would often make fun of them. When the family was notified, the children had only attended school for 56 days out of the year. My nephews coped by stealing food from grocery stores, and making it the best way they could. The oldest nephew which was 11 at the time said that he would not eat to allow his other siblings to eat. Two years later one of my nephews will still eat anything and everything in his sight. He stills food and snacks and go eat after everyone has fallen asleep. We tell him that thhis is not necessary because we will always feed him but, this life is programmed into him. He also coped with life stressors by shutting down and having no feelings for anyone and anything.

Also, I looked at stressors around the world and learned that children from South Africa experience many stressors as well. Young boys are made to fight in wars.. The young girls and women are victims of sexual abuse and many other violent crimes. I did not see how they cope with their stressors. I know it must be difficult for them. I can not imagine living a life where it seems that everything is wrong in your life yet, many do overcome these obstacles especially, if they are fortunate enough to leave the country. I wish that no children had to face these type of hardships especially, someone so close to home. Sometimes children that we come in contact with everyday experience things and we have no idea.


Michele Troutman