Research That Benefits Children and Families - Uplifting Stories

Imagine that you possess the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the early childhood field. Imagine further that you are not restricted by the reality of the present. Imagine that your study will make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and/or their families. What topic would you choose? What can you imagine the positive contribution(s) would be?

I would choose to study the source/cause of passive-aggressive behaviors in young children toward peers, teachers, and family members.  In a perfect world - a world free of disjointed families, needy children, abuse of any kind, hunger, negative discipline issues or lack of discipline, and free of families run by children - I think that passive-aggressive behaviors would still exist.  I've seen children act out in this manner for a variety of reasons, most of which I have just listed.  But I also noticed that there is this sense of anger and passive-aggressive behavior even in the "good" families and the "good" kids.  Maybe the family is good at hiding secrets or abuse or anything that may cause this behavior.  Maybe they don't have anything to hide at all - I really think there are families out there like this.  They deal with behaviors from their children and have no idea why it is happening.  I would do extensive research in this area so that I might help families to find peace and understanding with one another.  So that these kids could maybe lead a normal life without impulsive behaviors just happening, often out of their control.  And so that educators might better meet the needs of these children. 

My Personal Research Journey

I've chosen to research the topic of nutrition in early childhood.  I am interested in nutrition and had I not chosen to major in education my second choice was the medical field, namely nutrition sciences.  Now I have the opportunity to combine both worlds within this research competency course.

I have looked into some data and statistics that WIC has developed as well as statistics from various states across the country.  I've also done some looking into the impact of good nutrition on the early childhood years (nothing extensive).  I know the importance of teaching children at an early age to become eaters who make wise choices.

Have any of you done research on early childhood nutrition?  I'd love some links to peer-reviewed websites/articles/resources. 

Ready for Research!

...or maybe not.  :) 

It has been awhile since I've done a research project.  All courses we have been in thus far at Walden have, of course, required a little bit of research for parts of the course but we haven't had to do any major research yet.  I look forward to this refresher on research and welcome personal growth in this area.  Thank you all in advance for your input over the next few weeks!  Hopefully we can be an encouragement to one another!