Fridays are FABULOUS and so are the children.... Let's protect them.
April is the month that organizations and people nationally recognize child abuse prevention. “National Child Abuse Prevention” is advocated for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which supports programs and resources focusing on the protection and prevention of neglect, exploitation, violence, and abuse of children.
Organizations and people who support child abuse prevention actively collaborate to educate, encourage, and augment child welfare awareness that fosters safer communities and families for the protection of children.
For most parents, children are one of the most important and valued gifts that the Lord has blessed them with. In this same context, the Bible declares, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate" (Psalm 127:3-4).
Likewise, “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of the children are their fathers (Prov 17:6).”
The CDC provides strategies for child abuse and neglect prevention with a primary focus of eradicating it completely. We’ve all heard the common phrase, “hurt people, hurt people.” And, often those who have not addressed the hurt and pain experienced in their own lives, whether children or adults, may likely initiate pain in the lives of others.
Ann Douglas noted, “if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to support that child’s parent.” Therefore, child abuse prevention is an issue that must be addressed by the “village,” and increasing ones awareness in providing the care and safety of children must be an essential benefit for all.
“If you see something, do something, because inactivity is just as bad as the activity itself.” Identifying, clarifying, and understanding children’s developmental knowledge is extremely important; and over communication cannot be assumed!
Parents, it’s important to support your children mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Basic Needs (2011), parents must ensure children have the most basic human needs met, such as food, water, clothing, shelter; a sense of love and belonging; empowered self-respect, self-worth, and achievement; imparted respect for others. And, more than all, it’s of a necessity that parents teach their children about the Lord and to have a personal relationship with our God. I read a noteworthy quote, “If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.”
TIPS on Abuse:
1.Neglect (including abandonment): can be physical, medical, educational, and emotional
2.Abuse: can be sexual, emotional, and physical
Signs:
- Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
- Has unexplained injuries, such as burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
- Has fading bruises or other noticeable marks after an absence from daycare or school
- Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive
- Seems frightened of parents and protests or cries when it’s time to go home
- Shrinks at the approach of adults
- Shows changes in eating, sleeping, and bladder/bowel habits
- Abuses animals or pets
Courtesy of Dr. Karen Powell