Most people have an idea that things will be different once a baby arrives, but few will tell you they truly realized how constant the commitment would be. One young mother said, “Every day, every hour, every minute it is all about the baby – it changes your life. I knew it would, but I don’t think I realized how constant the commitment is.”
“Parenting can be an amazing experience if you have the right mindset,” said Sharon Narey, local counselor. “If you think of your children as a gift and a joy, then whatever comes along, you accept it and deal with it differently than if you think of them as a burden. When children are born into a home where their parents focus on meeting their emotional, physical, psychological, spiritual and educational needs, it creates a safe place of refuge for the child and family.”
Unfortunately, we are living in a time when there seems to be escalating reports of children growing up in homes where they fail to thrive because parents have failed to take responsibility for the wellbeing of their children.
Consider these statistics:
- More than 1,000 children die every year from abuse.
- More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse annually.
- Five out of every six cases of child abuse are unreported.
- Child sexual abuse is the most under-reported crime in the U.S.
- In 9 out of 10 child sexual abuse cases, the children are abused by someone they know…family members, friends, babysitters or trusted adults.
- One out of every four children will be sexually abused by the age of 18.
April is Child Abuse prevention month. Children are our most valuable resource. As parents and community citizens, it is our job to protect and nurture them and to help them grow into productive citizens in our community. Whether you are a parent or not, there are many ways you can help. Consider these suggestions from PreventChildAbuse.org
Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Offer a helping hand to take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
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 child.
If your baby cries… Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – this may result in severe injury or death.
Get involved. Ask community leaders, clergy, libraries and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
Monitor your child’s television and video viewing. Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children.
Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, in Tennessee call 877-542-2873. In Georgia, call your local Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services.
There is no doubt that raising children can be challenging. Don’t we have a responsibility to help all children grow up in homes where respect, encouragement and safety are foundational to daily living?
