The meaning of childhood and the ideal childhood meaning

The meaning of childhood and the ideal childhood meaning What does childhood means and what would be considered an ideal childhood? The period of time between the childs birth till the child reached adulthood, its experiences and quality of those years sums up childhood. For children to develop to their optimal, they would need loving, warm and responsible caregivers, within an environment that stimulates their growth. They should be living in lives free from fear, violence and exploitation. Unfortunately, this is not always so. It was reported that 90% of the world children were born into poverty. They live in poorly sanitized areas and suffered from malnutrition. They are exposed to diseases such as malaria, polio, tuberculosis and Aids. They lived in fear of war and famine. Their life expectancy is only of 40 years (Gammage P. 2008) Millions of children suffered in poverty depriving of their many rights including health and education, protection from exploitation and harm. Childrens rights are being denied and are robbed of their childhood. On the 20 November 1989, the United Nations adopted The Convention on the Rights of the Child and ratified all countries except the United States of America and Somalia. The Convention set standards concerning children and their rights. In this essay, I will discuss about the need to protect childrens rights, the aims of the Convection on the Rights of the Child and the difference it makes to childrens lives. The need to protect children Poverty threatens all aspects of childhood, it deprives children of their chance to grow and develop to their full potential. Lives of poor children in Honduras are examples of children whose childhood are being compromised and needed help and protection. Hurricane Mitch in 1978 has caused serious damages to Honduras. Families live in poverty while the city is on the road to recovery. In order to provide basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, both parents would need to work. Young children are being left at home without adequate care. Their health and development were seriously affected. Some even resort to taking the older sibling out of school to help look after the younger ones. Similarly in Botswana, parents had to bring their children to work when faced without support from extended family or money to pay for childcare services. These children are at risks of being exposed to sudden life threatening injuries. For some parents, they engage cheaper inexperienced babysitters to mind their children. Young children were being neglected. There were also many cases of children being left alone at home w ithout any supervision or care by adults. It was not a surprise for surgeons in the hospitals to attend to children who were involved in accidents at home. In Mexico, due to the lack of affordable childcare, mothers bring their young children along to their work. Once again, these childrens lives are constantly at risks. Their health and development will be affected. Research showed that 19 percent of the working parents in Vietnam and 27 percent in Mexico, left their children alone or in the care of another child at home. A high of 48 percent of the working parents in Botswana without support left their children home alone or in the care of another child. These parents were poor and had little education had no choice as they could not afford any childcare services ( Heymann, J. 2006) Children living in poverty are exposed to diseases and malnutrition. In Africa, children live in overcrowded shacks with no running water or electricity. They live and play in alleyways that are covered with sewage and trash. Their parents cannot afford to feed them or parents themselves are ill. Due to poor diet and weaken immune systems, many African children died. Poverty increases childrens vulnerability to other dangers including violence and exploitation. Child labour and child trafficking prevails. In Asia, it was reported that there were more than a million child prostitutes. Parents who are heavily burdened with debts sold their children into the sex trade. There were also many who were kidnapped and forced into prostitution. The aims of the UNCRC In 1989, United Nation adopted the Convention on the rights of the child. It is an international treaty that defines persons aged below 18 years as children. It aims to safeguard childrens rights, welfare, interests and development. All governments have acceded to the Convention except the United States of America and Somalia. There are a total of 54 articles stating the basic human rights of all the children in the world. The right to survival; the right to physical and mental development; the right to protection from harm and the right to be involved in family, social and cultural activities are some of childrens entitlements. Since 1989, there is a significant change in the attention given to early childrens rights. Various laws and policies in countries have been reframed to accommodate the convention. In UK, laws that govern health, housing and welfare benefits have a profound impact on the childrens lives. Children are affected by laws governing the Education and employment rights. The Children Act 1989 put in place the relationship between children, parents and the state. Local authorities were given the power to look after the welfare of childrens lives and provide safeguards against poor care. The Children Act 1989 calls for the reform in child care law pertaining to child services and child protection. Children are protected from harm, with local authorities investigating their situations of risk. Other Agencies like the housing, health and education authorities were involved in assisting the local authorities with their enquiries. Inter-agency work is a distinctive UK response to protecting childr en from harm (Thomas, N. 2009). In 1999, the Sure Start Local Programme (SSLP) had most of the deprived areas in England covered. This programme was designed to provide support for families and parents. It supports good-quality play and learning experiences for children under 4 years of age. Childs health and development, including family health were looked into (Thomas, N. 2009). In recent years, the Childcare Act 2006 requires English local authorities to look after the well-being of young children and provide specific services (Thomas, N. 2009). In acceding to the UN convention, UK has made provisions for areas such as the right to a good education, to participate in cultural and recreational activities, the disable childs right to care and education. Article 12 of the UN convention states that the child has the right to express an opinion, and his voice should be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings which affects them (Thomas, N. 2009) On 2 October, 1995, Singapore acceded to the UNCRC and came into effect on 4 November 1995. Singapore is a nation without any natural resources. Our people are our only asset, children are our future, and thus their well being is our main concern. As reported in MCYS press release, there are several different government agencies with its policies which formed the Inter-ministry committee (IMC) on the Convention on the Rights of the Child. IMC serves as an inter-agency platform for deliberation and coordination of various issues concerning children. Childrens rights and interests are respected and protected. The government also take a serious view on any child abuse or ill-treatment of a child. However, in special circumstances, slight canning is permissible. Children who misbehave may also be given slight canning on the palm of the hand. Corporal punishment is prohibited especially towards females. Canning can be administered by the headmaster. Singapores education system aims to acquire not just academic knowledge, but also impart values and increase the sense of rootedness in our children. These aims are articulated in our Desired Outcomes of Education. Children with special needs are not left out. The government has implemented the Integrated Childcare Programme, helping childcare centre to equip their staff and the centres to accommodate children with special needs. The discussion above are examples to shows Singapore commitment to uphold the rights and best interests of children. Singapores vision for our children and youth is to be a confident nation full of compassion and committed to social responsibilities, yet developed strong ties with their family and community. UNRC weaknesses The United Convention on the Rights of the Child is not without its weaknesses. According to Vanessa Pupava, children viewed as priceless may not be good all the time. There may be negative consequences for both child and parents. As defined by World Health Organisation, harm to child includes physical and emotional ill-treatment, abuse, neglect and exploitation. All these would affect the mental health and development of a child. In such broad terms, raising a child would become a very problematic task for parents. Parental authority may become abusive in itself. Parents would become paranoid; parents may also become overparented (Furedi F 2002). These children would lose their freedom to play and learn about risk. In other cases, parents and educators may lose sight of their commitment towards children. They are afraid of infringing the rights of the children and may they feel that they cannot attain the ideal way of upbringing the children, in the end, they may transfer their duti es to other institutions or even specialist services (R.Roose and M.Bouverne-De Bie, 2007 p.431-443). In UK, childrens rights can sometimes be seen as problematic. Adolescents may become aggressive and demanding. Parents and teachers fear of losing control with their teens. When children are given the right to participate in decision making, it may seem to discard the traditional notions of parents control over their children (R.Roose and M.Bouverne-De Bie, 2007 p.431-443). Conclusion Best interest of the child is one of the focal point in the convention on the rights of the Child. The childs rights include protection, prevention and participation in decision-making. It would be still a long way for successful implementation of the convention as adults still hold their own perceptions of children. This concept would also have different meanings for different countries in their own context. It would require the joint efforts of all for successful implementation of the convention and tackling with the constraints and shortcomings that comes alongside with it.

Self-Control and the ‘Self’ Essay -- Psychology

Nearly everyone in the modern world has heard of the term self-control, a seemingly non-important or uninteresting topic of interest. However, self-control has been related to having one of the most significant impacts on a person. Even some have gone as far to say that self-control is the â€Å"biggest predictor of a successful and satisfying life† (Pinker 1), which are bold words for a topic that many merely disregard. The idea of self-control is a concept coined in the Victorian era, and appears immensely throughout the novel, Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength, written by R.F. Baumeister & J. Tierney. Essentially a self-help book, ‘Willpower’ provides explanations for why humans are doing the things that they do, and why people aren’t always as virtuous as they may be expected to be. Self-control affects many facets of a person’s life, and by looking at how it is presented in psychology, and in Baumeister and Tierney’s n ovel, Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength, one will see the correlations and differences between modern research and historical perspectives on the idea of self-control, and ultimately decide if the idea of self-control is an inherent trait or a learned condition. Self-control is a topic and concept argued frequently in the psychological world. Some believe that self-control is an innate feature of human kind, while others, like Baumeister, believe it is a characteristic that can be practiced and strengthened. Baumeister’s model of willpower describes self-control as a muscle that can be depleted and replenished, just as any other muscle in the body. What is self-control exactly? Well, Freud was a psychologist who believed that personality is a biological component of ones-self,... ...Virtue, Personality, and Social Relations: Self-Control as the Moral Muscle." Journal of Personality 67.6 (1999): 1165-194. Print. Davis, Doug. "A Glossary of Freudian Terminology." A Freud Glossary. Web. 3 Apr. 2012. . Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. . Pinker, Steven. "The Sugary Secret of Self-Control." NY Times. Sept.-Oct. 2011. Web. 4 Mar. 2012. "The Science of Self-Control [Paperback]." Amazon.com: The Science of Self-Control (9780674013575): Howard Rachlin: Books. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. . "Self Control in Society, Mind, and Brain." Alibris. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. .

Warren Buffet Case Study

The case study â€Å"Warren E. Buffet, 2005† produced by Darden Business Publishing provides tremendous insight into the investing and management style of legendary entrepreneur Warren Buffet. A clear examination and exploration of this case study provides a brilliant analysis and insight into how Buffet explores his investing and management philosophy in relation to companies such as Berkshire Hathaway and MidAmerican Energy Holding. A summary of the case study is as follows: Warren Buffet remains the most successful entrepreneur in recent history.His net worth is in the range of $44 billion and it is the result of tireless hard work into making right investment decisions. This is typified by his management of Berkshire Hathaway which turned out to be significantly successful despite many misgivings by naysayers that did not believe it would be a viable acquisition. The wise choice of Buffet’s involvement in Berkshire Hathaway is evidenced by the amazing growth of the company over a three decade period. The stock was of minor value in 1977 and in recent years it has grown enormously.The holdings of Berkshire Hathaway have also grown significantly making it a company to truly keep an eye on. Buffet’s success with this company can be considered the model method in which all companies should be managed. The success of this company represents Buffet’s overall investing philosophy. Such a philosophy entails seeking out undervalued stock that has great potential to grow. This philosophy is based on a number of theories which including examining economic reality as opposed to accounting reality; realizing time is the most important assetWarren Buffet Case Study – 2 associated with any stock venture; keeping an eye on the cost of lost opportunities; measuring performance by a gain in intrinsic value and not accounting profits; examine risk; diversify holdings; avoid emotions and hunches in investing; understand the alignment of agent s and owners. Many may such approaches are overly simple. To a degree, they are. However, they are also very effective as the article never fails to point out. Such a process is further illustrated in examples present in various other Buffet ventures detailed in the article.Hypothetical ventures are presented in order to illustrate the investing, management, and psychological strategies and methods that Buffet is known to employ. Balance sheets from MidAmerican Energy Holdings are offered. This provides a clear examination of what such a company holds and how it needs to perform in order to succeed. The Buffet paradigm is examined in light of the information presented on the balance sheets. To great interest, the Buffet Acquisition Criteria Sheet is included in the paperwork used to illustrate the various steps in the process.What makes this further interesting is that it provides a unique psychological insight into the way in which Buffet operates. As odd as it may sound, the acqui sition gives insight into the moral grounding of Buffet. He seems to be an individual that runs an honest and legitimate business. Such an approach helped Buffet’s success quite significantly. Consider it a model all entrepreneurs should follow. Warren Buffet Case Study – 3 II. ) Relation to Class Material The internal business analysis of the case study relates in many ways to material that was presented in the class.A brief overview of components of the case is presented in this section. Analysis will follow in the third section. Two of the major areas covered in class as they relate to a business are profitability and long term planning. This becomes evident in the case study through exploring the general steps that Buffet takes with all of his business ventures. (Although in this case, we are looking mainly at Berkshire Hathaway and MidAmerican Energy Holdings. In terms of profitability, there is a desire to succeed via a long term strategy as opposed to any short term market gains. Or, more accurately, any potential perceived gains.The hypothetical present in exhibit 4 covers the notion that a company will not pay dividends on profits. Rather, it will opt to reinvest the dividends. Commonly, many businesses will look towards the payout of dividends as financially attractive. However, by reinvesting the dividends, it becomes much more likely that the long term success and growth of the business can be more effectively maintained. This is because adequate cash reserves are ‘pumped’ into the business for those cycles where losses may be inherent. Additionally, the growth of the company is promoted which may potentially increase its overall value.This, in turn, raises the potential for increased and enhanced profitability as a result. This would be considered among the approach that follows â€Å"investing activities† plans. Such an approach may be Warren Buffet Case Study – 4 frowned upon by some but it does possess g reat benefits as evidenced by the Buffet approach. Ultimately, to launch any reliable venture designed for long term impact, there needs to be a clear understanding of the value of the firm. This requires an analysts approach to what would be the best way to approach the operations of the business as they relate to future investing.There can be both insider and outsider investing analysis employed. In the case study, you could say that an insider perspective is employed since the Buffet model for investing and managing is employed and not particularly deviated from in any manner. This was, ultimately, a positive decision in the realm of Berkshire Hathaway since the company proved to be stunningly profitable beyond most expectations. In order to truly gain an insight into the Buffet methodology (and any venture for that matter), one needs to gain a proper and effective insight into the financial statements.From this, a better and more logical understanding of the business might be pr ocured. When one examines the holdings of Warren Buffet, a greater insight into his investment and managerial process is revealed. While we do not see a complete and total insight into the strategies he follows, we can see an overview of where his interests are and how he seeks to diversify his holdings. That alone opens the door for a greater understanding of the overall process that is at work. III. ) Critique of the Case Warren Buffet Case Study – 5 This particular case does have a great many merits to it.It truly does give a valuable insight into the internal process that is employed to effectively run a business venture. When one takes into consideration that great success Warren Buffet has had over the years, it would be safe to say that understanding his methodologies can prove helpful. This is illustrated through an analysis of the internal operational methodologies of how Buffet handles his managerial acumen. Unfortunately, we do not see much new in the case study an d that can be problematic. But, the case study does present a detailed insight into some of the more commonly known motivations Buffet employs.It is also important to point out that no one can completely duplicate the processes that Buffet follows. Not everyone is Warren Buffet and the need to tailor various components to suit one’s own needs is certainly advised. That said, the material presented in the case study does present the valuable and viable ‘food for thought’ that budding entrepreneurs will find of great value. But, unfortunately, not much new ground is detailed in the case study. The case study gains much merit by detailing the many facets of the Buffet approach. The material is presented in a logical and orderly fashion that makes it very easy to comprehend.The problem with such a presentation, however, is that there is a slight inference that one should follow the Buffet approach to investing and managing without deviating from it. This can be an ab surd notion if followed to the extreme. Different investors will have different styles of investing. Different companies come with different levels of complexity. Political, economic, and even environmental factors all come into Buffet Case Study – 6 play and these can have significant impact on the way in which a managerial process is undertaken. The case model also follows a concept of low risk.This is not to say that there is a decided warning against taking any risk. However, it would be very safe to say the theories presented and discussed in the case study provide an insight into a very Warren conservative investment and management strategy. Again, this is not an inherently bad approach. Many entrepreneurs are better suited to such an approach. But, not everyone is. Those looking for riskier and more volatile ventures would probably be better served examining case studies that are closer to their own individual styles and paradigms.This is not to say one approach is bet ter than the other. They are different approaches and one need to look towards those methods that are a better match. Overall, the case study can be considered an excellent and effective one that provides the proper look into the way in which Warren Buffet operates. (The case study is not presented in a cursory manner. Overly brief analysis can lead to inaccurate conclusions which would undermine the overall value of the case study) The clarity of the presentations allows for a deeper insight into the entrepreneur’s methodologies.Such methodologies are finely detailed in a series of financial analysis tables, charts, and hypothetical scenarios that further promote a better understanding of Buffet’s ventures. Considering the somewhat complex nature of Buffet’s holdings, the clarity of the organization deserves many accolades. Furthermore, the case study may be dated for the year â€Å"2005† but it will have timeless value since its presentation into a simp le – yet effective – strategy is so well thought out and detailed. Consider that among the greatest merits of the case study overall. Reference Darden Business Publishing. â€Å"Warren E. Buffet, 2005. † University of Virginia.

My Inspiration - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 480 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2017/09/18 Category People Essay Type Argumentative essay Tags: Inspiration Essay Did you like this example? In our lives there is always a person that we look up to and admire. With that in mind we take examples from there lives and try to make the best of ours. Growing up I had a lot of persons that I strongly looked up to and admired, but the person that made a great impact and left a footprint in my journey of life would be my mother. She was always the person that had a smile on her face when things didn’t seem perfect, or the person that danced when every one else didn’t feel like it. As a teenager I wanted someone to tell me right from wrong, or to direct me onto the right path, and she was the perfect example. She was always there when I needed her the most and never let me down, not even in the smallest moments. The out standing qualities that she possesses inspired me to be the person I am today. The faith and commitment she has dedicated to being a Christian is encouraging and motivating. She has shown to be the hardest worker I’ve ever known an d taught me to do the same. Her goals were met with accuracy and persistence, never left unaccomplished and forgotten. Life wasn? t always perfect for her, she fought a lot for what she believed in and what was right, but despite the blocks she may had had in life she always knew how to get right back on track and be the supporting woman she is and has always been. She found a way to help others when she was the one that needed help, the one that needed a hand and the one that needed a friend, but it never stopped her in the least way; it was like she was my hero in disguise. The memories that we shared still linger in my head as if it was just yesterday. I could recall the time she taught me how to cook, we had so much fun, she took learning to a whole new level and it was unforgettable. I was punished for my mistakes with ? its ok? and ? you? ll do better next time, ? and I never felt bad in any way. We would go to the mall together and she would explain to me the principals of life, so that I could be prepared for what was ahead of me. She was never reluctant to give me a lending hand late at nights when I’m stuck on home-work and the only thing that kept me from falling asleep was her voice encouraging me all the way through. In our lives we can always find admirable people, they are all around us, but there is always that one special person that stands out of the crowd and I have found my inspiration, my mom Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "My Inspiration" essay for you Create order