Information For Parents
Nearly 3 million children are reported to child protective service
agencies as alleged victims of child abuse or neglect annually and, in
2003, approximately 1 million of these reports were confirmed (1).
The physical and emotional abuse of children yields harmful consequences
for society: a growing body of evidence links child abuse and neglect
with drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, youth violence, and chronic
health problems. It is critical to focus on preventing child abuse and
neglect before it starts.
Placing an emphasis on positive parenting is an important component of
preventing child abuse. As a community, it is essential that we support
parents and families. As parents, we must strive to respect and nurture
our children.
Here are a few tips on how to be the best parent you can be (2):
- Be a nurturing parent.
Children need to know that they are special and loved. Educate yourself about a child's development process so you can have reasonable expectations about what your child can and cannot do. - Help yourself.
When the big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point where you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Don't take it out on your child. Take a deep breath, turn on some music. Know where you can turn for help when you need it. - If your baby cries...
It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to work. Learn what to do if you baby won't stop crying. But, never shake a baby. - Monitor your child's television and computer use.
Watching violent films on TV or playing violent computer games can harm young children. Not only does it scare them, it also teaches children that aggression is a good way to handle frustration and solve problems. - Spend time playing with your children...
or read to them instead! - Report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community. If you have reason to believe a child has been - or may be - harmed, call your local child protective service agency.
It is important to remind ourselves of our collective responsibility
to prevent the abuse and neglect that robs so many of our society's
children of their childhood, their sense of security and well-being, and
their future.
For even more information about how to prevent child abuse and neglect,
or about parenting, visit Prevent Child Abuse America at
www.preventchildabuse.org.
You may also view the Care House Parent Handbook:
Care House Parent Handbook 2009 - Portrait View
Care House Parent Handbook 2009 - Printable Booklet
Sources:
1. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children,
Youth and Families. Child Maltreatment 2003.
2. Prevent Child Abuse America