Week 4 - Childhood Siblings and Self Esteem

There are several stages a child goes through during their early development.  Chapters 6 and 7 of LifeSmart provides detailed information when someone goes from early childhood to middle school.  Stages of physical, language, social, gender, cognitive and moral developments are part of a child's early development.  Through it all, two stages that are important in the growth of today's child is the role of the sibling and a child's self-esteem.  These two stages are magnified by my two boys, Matthew and Keshawn.

The role of siblings, as described in chapter 6 of LifeSmart, create a unique family environment and play a critical role in socialization.  During the early stages of childhood, older siblings take on the role of caregiver and the child learns about the needs of others.  My boy's relationship with each other is such a joy to watch.  I've never mentioned this to my class, but I've been separated from their mom for over 2 years.  I told my oldest boy, Matthew that he has to care for his younger brother, Keshawn, without me being there everyday.  To this day, they get along wonderfully.  Also, Keshawn wants to play basketball, play video games and become a boy scout like Matthew.  This past Saturday, Matthew held Keshawn's legs when he was swinging on the monkey bars at the park.  Matthew has become a great role model for Keshawn to emulate and it will help both of their developments as they grow to be fine young men.

Chapter 7 of LifeSmart details how the aspects of self-concept and self-esteem helps the development of a child during their middle years.  Psychologist Erik Erikson describes middle childhood in the life stage he called industry versus inferiority.  It's a time when children use their tools and skills to acquire a feeling of satisfaction at the completion of satisfactory work.  By developing their self-concept, a child will develop their self-esteem.  As I mentioned earlier, Matthew is a boy scout and boy scouts has provided him a sense of self-worth for earning his merit badges and scout ranks.  In addition, I've been teaching Matthew how to swim and I've put him through basketball workouts.  He was afraid to swim last year and, today, he has gotten pretty good.  Swimming is a merit badge he needs to obtain in boy scouts and he could well be on his way to getting that badge at boy scout summer camp.  He was going through a rough year because he's had to transfer schools three times in the last year.  However, with his accomplishments in boy scouts, swimming, school and basketball, Matthew self-esteem has developed considerably.

Again, the role of siblings and the development of self-esteem has been significant for individuals from early childhood to middle school.  As I sit hear writing this blog, the news is showing the continuous violence and craziness that is going on in the world.  From the shooting at Seattle Pacific University to the stabbing of a young girl in Wisconsin, life development of individuals is not taken seriously in our communities and in our schools.  We are on a path of destruction and childhood development is a single important stage in developing a righteous life.