LETTER: Child Abuse Prevention Month

Editor,

Three children die each day as a result of abuse or neglect, according to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect. Approximately 2,400 children were victims of child abuse each day in the year 2000. An average of 10 out of 1,000 children in Utah was maltreated in the year 2000.

Child abuse and neglect have negative lasting effects on children, including brain damage, aggressive behavior and depression. Child abuse and neglect also has a major impact on society. Survivors may be at a greater risk for drug use, teen pregnancy and criminal behavior, which directly impacts the community in which they live.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is critical that we prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs. An important part of preventing child abuse and neglect is positive parenting. Here are a few tips on how to be a positive parent.

Be a nurturing parent

Educate yourself about a child’s development process to have reasonable expectations about what your child can or 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. Do not take it out on your child. Take a deep breath, turn on some music. Calm down.

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 your baby will not stop crying. But, NEVER SHAKE A BABY.

Spend time playing with your children …

or read to them instead.

Report suspected 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 1-800-678-9399 or you can look in the front of your phone book for the number to call.

April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is an appropriate opportunity to remind ourselves of our 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. Together, we can make a difference.

For more information about how to prevent child abuse and neglect, visit www.preventchildabuse.org, or call the Child and Family Support Center at 752-8880.

Loralee BishopSocial Work InternChild and Family Support Center