April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
9 year old's letter to her absent mother.
One day on our way to church while getting out of the van, I found his on the ground.
It fell out of the notebook of a nine year girl who lives in a group home.
When I read this, it broke my heart. This little girl doesn't cry or complain, you actually would think everything is ok with her on the outside, but after reading this I saw into her heart.
I share this because April is Child Abuse Awareness month.
There are ways you can help prevent child abuse. Below are some suggestions from
- Be a nurturing parent.
Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams. - Help a friend, neighbor or relative.
Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together. (offer to help with cleaning or errands) - Help yourself.
When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid. - If your baby cries…
It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death. - Get involved.
Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families. - Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.
Find out whether your local library has parenting resources, and if it does not, offer to help obtain some. - Promote programs in school.
Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe. - Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet viewing/usage.
Excessively watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children. - Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call 1.800.CHILDREN or contact your local Prevent Child Abuse America chapter. - Report suspected abuse or neglect.
If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department. Emergency contacts can be found at the top of the page. - Encourage a child : When you have an opportunity, let a child know that they are smart and beautiful no matter what anyone tells them. "It is easier to build up a child, than to repair an adult."
- Mentoring: Volunteer once a month to share a talent with a child.
- Become a Guardian Ad litem: is a person the court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the “best interests of a child.”
- Volunteer: At a Boys & Girls Club, Pre school, Children's Program.
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