Tipping A Child: A Case Study

Picture a family: the mom and dad with their child. These parents are heading to school; to drop their child off. Before even getting in the car, the family is making sure they're all ready to go. This includes bathing, eating, and getting dressed. While sitting down to eat, the father looks at the clock to see they're running late. He then goes to grab his wife, in order to head to the school to drop their son off. Double checking to make sure the family has all their materials for the day, they all head to the car. After strapping their four-year-old into his booster seat; the family starts to pull out of the driveway. Listening to the traffic on the radio, the parents check to see how bad it's going to be. While they plan out the timing, the child is in the back seat smiling with joy. About five minutes away from dropping their child off, the parents feel a little off. Though they don't let that get in their way. Soon, the child starts to talk to his parents. After, speaking his mind the parents never respond. Which
then makes him question what's going on. Seconds later, the car starts to swerve back and forth; with the sight of a bus heading their way. Just in time, the father pulled over the vehicle in order to avoid the bus. Once pulled over, a pair of cops noticed them stuck on the side of the road. Heading over as quick as possible they notice something off about the parents; they're both passed out unconscious. Seeing that, they then notice the child sitting in the back seat scared to death. Suddenly, the cops find traces of heroin within the car. Turns out the parents both overdosed on heroin before getting their child to school. According to drugrehab.us, more than eight million children live life with drug addicted parents. Drug exposure can affect a child physically, emotionally, and socially. As a community, we need to find a solution to this drug epidemic. Parenting isn't the easiest job, many have no idea where to start with a child. Some get advice from friends, while some go to classes to prepare. Many parents make an effort to raise their child correctly. Although there are individuals who don't care about their child. These individuals might abuse drugs, or physically and emotionally abused. Not making the right decisions, the parents end up raising their child in an awful way. Depending on the parents, children can develop many different dysfunctions. Parents with mass amounts of drug intake have a link in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). According to aaets.org, FAS consists of a combination of facial dysmorphia, severe and persistent growth deficiency, and central nervous system dysfunctions; including mental retardation. These effects all happen before the baby is actually born. Having all these dysfunctions, a child is bound to have a hard time living a normal life. As a child, it's hard to distinguish the difference between right and wrong.
Parents have the ability to teach their child the right way to act. While growing up, a child is going to be exposed to reality. They have to be able to play fair,communicate well, and use the correct manners: this all starts with developing their emotions. Adults with drug addiction have a higher chance child abuse and neglect. Drug abuse has shown many different psychological complications within a child. According to aaets.org ,these complications can be very severe, to the point the child develops mental disorders, which include ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Eating disorders. Not only can a child exhibit these disorders, they could also become very emotional. A child exposed to drugs has a way of expressing fear, guilt, mistrust, shame, confusion and mood swings. Having all these emotional complications, a child is going to have a tough time feeling like
themselves. When growing up, a child looks after his or her parents. They can obtain how the parents act, socialize, communicate, and even appear. Having kids interact with their parents really gives strength in the ability to socialize. According to psychologytoday.com, for the first few years, mom and dad make all the difference. Interactions with parents give kids a general disposition toward peers. Which means parents are responsible for teaching their child how to interact appropriately. A child that has never been taught nor acknowledged is most likely to have problems growing up. The main goal of socialization is to express yourself to others. Being social is an important aspect of life. It keeps a positive atmosphere when times get negative. Not only does a toxic environment mess up the child's ability to socialize, it also affects the child's progress in school. To start off, socializing is a huge advantage while in school. One can get help from peers, stay positive, expand their social circle, and achieve more. Substance abusing parents can interrupt a child's concentration, energy, friendships, homework, and maturity. Without any of those, a child will end up struggle academically and socially. For example, a child will be embarrassed to expose friends to their life. This could be because of the immaturity of his or her parents. Not only that, the child will most likely end up feeling worthless along with their many social problems, having no choice but to grow up alone in life When there is a problem, there is always a solution. In this case, the parents are the problem. Parents that abuse drugs not only hurt themselves but hurt the next generation. This is because the children go through life having to cope with their environment. The parents have many ways to make sure their child is not affected by drugs. To start, the parents have to take themselves off the drugs. In order to have a drug-free environment, the parents have to be a positive role model their child. Next, the parents should be more available in the child’s life. This includes recitals, concerts, and even school trips. Not showing love to your child will not only affect them emotionally, it can also affect them socially. Along with that, a Parent needs to help their child gain more self-esteem and social skills. Not having a parent to teach you about communication can damage the child‘s emotions. Kids that have parents that guide them will be able to learn right from wrong: starting with choosing friends. The best way of making friends is to get involved. A parent should show their child positive group activities. This includes scouting, volunteering, sport, and clubs. When a child is involved, they have less time to get themselves into trouble. Also, with the courage of friends, the child will have higher self-esteem. Lastly, in order for your child to know the proper way of doing things: they have to be taught. Having a quick one on one with your child can go a long way for the child’s future. Overall, a child first few years of life are the most crucial. Having a parent who does drugs does not end up well. When a child is living in a toxic environment, they are sure to follow a dangerous path. Children are like sponges;they soak up everything around them. Having drug abusing parents affects the child physically, emotionally, and socially. Even before the child is out of the womb, they are developing every minute. A parent that is addicted to drugs, is likely to damage their child. Physical damage includes facial deformity, mental retardation, and drug addiction. A child‘s emotions are set upon how their parents behave around them. Not having any love or care goes a long way in a child’s behavior. When a child is neglected, they miss the part in life where they learn right and wrong. Not having a grasp on proper behavior can damage a child's social skills. Seeing how much a baby can be affected by one little pill, a parent should be aware of the damages they can cause. But as human beings, we all make mistakes, though there's always a way to fix. As a parent, one has to make sure their child is raised properly. If not, they don't only do damage to their family, but to the next generation also. Not only is the main issue the parents, society can be too. When citizens witness an event involving a drug abusive parent; you'd expect them to intervene. Though, nowadays society just sits back and watches. As citizens, we should be able to step up and help children. Ways to do so include removing the child from their parents, and being there for the child when needed. When the child has protection, they will be able to function better. Thankfully, we have what’s called Child Protective Services (CPS). According to legaldictionary.net, CPS is a governmental agency tasked with receiving and investigating reports of child abuse or neglect. With the help of CPS, children will be able to receive the care they deserve. The main task of CPS is to find children who are dealing with parents who neglect, abuse, and do drugs; then provide a safe environment. Having a governmental agency like CPS, is a great resource. Having parents who are able to care for there child, is an amazing feature in society. With this advantage who knows what the child can bring to us in the future. Just know that children learn more from how you act than what you teach.