Merry Christmas.

Hey everyone.

I haven't blogged for ages, sorry!! I have been so busy lately with my essay for university. I don't know why but even though my essays only have to be 3000 words they seem to take me forever. This one needed so much background reading but thankfully it was an interesting subject, so I really enjoyed doing it.

Our essay was all about Children's Rights, how society views children and young people and also how culture affects nursing care given to children and young people. It's amazing to know what rights children actually have, there are so many of them and they are so detailed. It's great knowing though, because it gives you a greater understanding of children and also helps you to see when children and young people are not being treated as they should be.

For the scenario for my essay, which is used as a base for the essay, in order to help us relate theory to practice, I used an African baby who had been circumcised at home by an unregistered doctor. The procedure created complications, such as severe bleeding and obviously questionning about whether this procedure was a breach of child protection or not.

The thing is though, the nurses didn't understand the family and the culture they have...how it was important culturally for their baby boy to have this procedure done and how it was considered fine for this unregistered doctor to perform the procedure. What was needed was the nurses to step into the shoes and therefore culture of the parents, just to give a little perspective in order to have a little understanding, therefore understanding that this procedure was not done to harm the boy but to bring health.

Anyway, now I'm blabbing. I guess some people just aren't aware that everyone lives their life according to their personal, family culture. This culture isn't just to do with what country you come from but what your family imparts into you as you grow and develop. People need to understand and see that everywhere you look there are different cultures and ways of life.

Interesting though...especially as the question that arose was about whether or not this sort of procedure means the childs rights aren't upheld, whether done by registered professionals or not. Should this procedure be deferred until the child is old enough to make the decison himself or should the parents really be able to impart their culture into their child in this way?? How do we allow people to have their rights upheld whilst giving them the guidance and sometimes orders that they need, especially children and young people?! It's a hard topic and I know there aren't any black and white answers...we just have to remember that everyone has the right of freedom to choose their own will and way...hard but true!!

Anyway, that's about it from me, not sure why I shared this all as I'm sure you're not particularly interested in the topic of circumcision :) but I was interested!! Maybe it brings up some other questions though...

How do we bring up our children and young people rightly, giving them the best level of freedom but also discipline they need??

Are there right and wrong ways or is it just trial and error with each individual??

All I know is that we all need freedom and we all need structure and I sure can't wait to put my knowledge into practice when I have my own children :) exciting stuff!! Hard but exciting!!

Much love and Merry Christmas!!!!!!