Children hear and absorb almost everything and it shapes the way they view and interact with the world for years to come. Tiffany and Briana, the five-year-old stars of our continuing series, prove it every day. Although they live in vastly different parts of Memphis, they listen closely when the adults talk about serious issues, problems, and their hopes for the future.
We are often asked “OK, I get it. What do you want me to do?” That’s a very difficult question to answer but let me take a stab at it. We want you to lead. The answer is in the collaborative efforts of all of us. If we all take steps to make simple changes in how we support our children, the total effect will change our community.
Across the country, working families have one thing in common: a need to find safe, affordable, quality care for their children. In 35 states, the cost of childcare now exceeds public college tuition, pricing it beyond the reach of even many middle class families.
In addition to assisting the teachers with their tasks on kindergarten registration day, helping make copies or translating for parents, the UCI members are there to conduct research on the topic of “kindergarten readiness.” This term, although it can have different meanings for people, includes a few main skills that children entering kindergarten should have.
Tiffany and Briana are only five years old, but already, their environments have had effects that can last their lifetimes. Both girls have just started kindergarten, but Tiffany is likely to face higher hurdles than Briana because of the stress that is a part of her everyday life. This early stress in life can also have an impact on her as an adult.
Certainly, one of any mother's least favorite errands to ever run with small children is the trip to the grocery store. If it's not timed right, the result is cranky, fussy, whiny children (and mom) and possibly the glaring stares of other shoppers.