Earlier this month, we recognized National Children’s Day, which is dedicated to children’s early development. This day reminded us of these formative years’ critical role in shaping the future of our youth. The early childhood years lay the foundation for future success, and we must provide our children with the necessary support and resources to help them thrive.
We Must Treat Every Day as National Children’s Day
Children are our most precious resource, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have what they need to grow, learn, achieve, and contribute to society and their communities. Unfortunately, many kids face significant challenges that are out of their control and can impact their development and potential. For instance, children from broken homes may struggle with emotional instability, lack of guidance, and reduced economic stability. This can lead to a range of issues, including decreased academic performance, increased risk of substance abuse, and lower self-esteem.
Substance Abuse in the Home: Devastating Impact on Kids
When a child grows up in a home where a parent has a substance abuse problem, kids often suffer from a variety of social, emotional, and developmental ways. Sadly, children who grow up in a home with drug-addicted parents are 8 times more likely to become addicted to drugs themselves. Additionally, kids with alcoholic parents are 4 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD). No matter the substance, their effects on children are impactful.
Regular exposure to a chaotic environment without stability or emotional and physical support can lead to various problems. Specifically, these children may be more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and antisocial behavior, as well as difficulties in forming healthy relationships. This exposure shapes children and can stunt them forever without assistance and resources such as some of the programs offered by EAC Network.
Programs to Change Kids Paths for the Better
All of our services at EAC Network are intended to assist the primary individual in need; however, they are also designed to focus on that individual’s family and loved ones, too. We know that when one person struggles, there is a ripple effect, and the children in many of these instances are often affected the most. For those times when more of a direct focus on the needs of the children is called for, EAC offers the following services:
Mentors
Positive and dedicated role models play a vital role in helping children overcome challenges. They can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to empower youth to stand on their own two feet and overcome adversities. Without these mentors, children can make poor decisions, struggle to find their footing and navigate the complexities of life and challenging circumstances at home. Mentor programs such as our Chance to Advance and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are in place to help protect and nurture kids and overcome challenges.
Substance Abuse Programs
Parents or family members who have a substance abuse problem can create a toxic environment that can affect children’s mental health and well-being. Exposure to these substances can have a devastating impact on children and possibly lead to addiction, criminal acts, or incarceration. Having programs in place, such as EAC Network’s Home Base Program and our TASC programs (in multiple locations), provides us with the ability to help redirect kids who have a substance abuse issue or are suffering from other poor decisions.
Children Deserve Every Chance for Happiness
National Children’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that early childhood development plays in shaping their future. By providing kids with the necessary support and resources, we can help them develop into happy, healthy, and successful individuals that contribute positively to society.
