R3:Chapter 8 Middle Childhood

Chapter 8 covers middle childhood. In the Biophysical dimension during middle childhood boy’s gross motor development exceed the girls gross motor development. Textbook says “gross motor development may partially explain why they (boys) are more interested in physical activity than girls are”. Some of the risks that may intrude in middle childhood children biophysical dimension is nutrition and poverty. I think this is a huge risk. There are government programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formally known as Food Stamps and WIC (Woman, Infant, and Children) to help low income families with nutrition. However this program does not cover everyone, there are limitations on who they can help. Some families also do not want the government’s help because there is a stigma that comes on with getting government aid. That stigma being that you are lazy, that you do not work, even that you are a free loader. However that is not true. Many uneducated people who have this prejudices toward recipients of government aid have no clue how these programs work. There is certain amount of income that you cannot exceed of course but other requirement. For SNAP program if you do not have children you must be actively seeking work and if you do not find a job or show proof that you have been searching your benefits can be suspended. There is also a program to help with poverty called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). There is also limitations on these programs. The same being must be looking for work, showing proof, such as resume and etc. Another limitation being for how long you can be on TANF. TANF provides resources such as computer labs, training classes, even gas cards or bus passes to be able to look for a job. There is a limitation on how many times in a lifetime a person can get on TANF. I just hope one day these stigmas can be taken away and have no prejudices so people who actually need the help can come forward and get the help they need. Reference: Ashford, J. B., & Lecroy, C. W. (2010) Human Behavior in the Social Environment, a Multidimensional Perspective