Early childhood is already a time period in life full of change and a flooding of information. It is a time when children are first learning how to navigate their world and interact with their fellow humans. When additional stressors come into play, they can play a substantial role in how a child develops.
My neighbors are immigrants to the United States from Albania. They were in their early twenties, with a two year old, when the Albanian Civil War broke out. During this time they were often forced to stay in their homes for days at a time while the ugliness of war riddled their town. There was extensive rioting, protesting, and general civil unrest, due to deep dissatisfaction with a government that failed to protect the assets of its citizens. Residents felt compelled to protect their homes, money, and family at any cost. This meant being subjected to random gunfire, smoke bombs, tear gas, and other means and measures used to control large mobs, and/or settle civil disputes (legal or illegal) (Global Security.org). Throughout this, the family also learned that they were due to welcome their second child.
The family unit was strong, but travel to visit other friends and relatives was hazardous. As such, the family was forced to be self-sustaining with very little money. They realized that this was not the life they wished for their children, and chose to join friends here in the US, who had come to live here before the war. In 2004, they became our neighbors.
We have watched the children grow up, very happily and hard-working, but their life is much different than typical American children. First off, they had to learn a new language and start in American schools at ages 10 & 6. While in Albania, the eldest child saw little of school and the youngest had never been, because of their condition and also because typically in Europe, children start school closer to age 7. Thankfully, it didn't take them too long to adjust. The children were active soccer players and the family found support in their church and Albanian groups here. The family unit continues to remain strong, and in effect, the children are bound to familial duties before they are permitted to socialize with their friends or engage in other social activities. The boys, despite a decent age difference, were often best playmates. For the most part, the children seemed to suffer little, however, there is one time of the year which is particularly difficult for them.
During Fourth of July celebrations here, the random shooting off of fireworks, summer firework displays, and the frequent explosion of sound, all meant in fun and support of the holiday, set the entire family on edge. These sounds remind them of difficult times, which they were fortunate to leave behind. We have spoken to them about it and the mother often feels guilty for her feelings. She is so thankful for America and all that is has to offer, but the fear of her past overwhelms her. The family is often found together, at home, inside while the rest of us revel in our freedoms.
Thinking about them, coming from the far Southeast portion of Europe, made me wonder about conditions for the children living in the furthest stretches of Northeast Europe, where my heritage lies. I imagined that the conditions were similar, and that they share several influences from both Europe and the Western portion of Asia, namely Soviet entities. It seems that the overall economic conditions have improved for these nations since the unrest during the 1990's and early 2000's. Since the dissolution of the Soviet rule, these nations have been growing and improving rapidly. As the economic factors have improved, improvements have been made to the educational, cultural, and social conditions. Pollution has been reduced. Park systems and public programs are on the rise; and this generation of families is indicating greater levels of happiness and prosperity. Generally speaking, when the daily stressors of employment and finances are lessened from the equation, the result is happier, healthier children. Unfortunately, like most nations, there are areas where families are still affected by poverty and inadequate living conditions. The governments have instituted public assistance, but due to the pride and self-sustainability of the people they have been slow to take.
References
European Roma Rights Centre. (2011-2012). Slovakia: A Report by the European Roma Rights Centre, Country Profile 2001-2012. Retrieved from http://www.errc.org/cms/upload/file/slovakia-country-profile-2011-2012.pdf
Global Security.org (n.d.). Albanian Civil War (1997). Retrieved from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/albania.htm
National Geographic Kids (n.d.). People & Places: Poland. Retrieved from http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/poland
When Americans think of war we think of sending our military to another country in harms way. A lot of other countries have to fight on their own soil, in their backyard, their streets. Children don't watch the news to see the terror that is war they just step outside or look at the window. They are in a constant state of fear. This could cause anxiety issues later in life and it could easily produce ptsd in the families. I am glad your neighbors were able to get away from the fighting and give the children a better life. Your neighbor feels guilty at times for leaving, but I have experienced is most mothers feel guilty over something in their kids lives. I know I have and I never had to make the decision to leave a war ridden area to save my children. She is stronger than she thinks!
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