Child abuse
Did you know....
Child abuse is reported on an average of every 10 seconds and three children die every day as a result of such abuse.
As parents we have a responsibility to our children. And not just a responsibility to "our children" but also to the children around us. If you suspect a child you know is being abused. REPORT it!! It is not only our right to get involved, it is our obligation.
Oh I know there are days kids push us to the limit. It's frustrating, even anger-provoking. But that's all the more reason people should take care of their own emotional health. A parent who is emotionally healthy (and at least relatively happy) is better able to deal with being a parent. Wearing emotional baggage as the new fashion, or using it as an excuse for a bad day is not acceptable. There is no excuse for child abuse!!!!!!!! Get help or counselling! Learn healthy coping skills!
These innocent little faces look up to us. We are their role model and they will view the world through the eyes we give them. If we provide a home where there is constant anger, mood swings, and verbal/emotional/physical abuse, these kids will grow up to wear those scars and base their lives around them. Don't steal the "joy of living" away from our children.
Praise your child when he or she is doing what's right. Be sensitive and understanding when they have done wrong. Don't use words like "you're a brat"..or "You're stupid." Don't break their spirit. Talk with them. Set, clear, fair guidelines and expectations. Stick by them. Childproof your home. Lock up the liquor cabinet. Talk to your teen about drugs in a non-lecturing way. Talk about responsible sexual behavior. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. Let your children know they can come to you. That they can rely on you.
Let your home be a gentle, safe haven for them. Take responsibilty for the children in our neighbourhood. Create warm memories. Build a loving family.
Comments
OMG!! This is so heartbreaking. I know it happens; everyday....still my heart breaks. When we lived in Texas, CR and I took classes to become Foster/Adoptive parents. We ended up moving before we were able to finish the program. But, just taking those classes opened my eyes.
I made a phone call about a 3 1/2-4 y/o neighbor girl. She was displaying signs of abuse, uti's, crying when called to go home (not the normal-I don't want to go home because I'm having fun, cry), playing outside, unsupervised, in just a t-shirt and panties, saying things about sex that a typical pre-schooler should not know...and other stuff that I can't recall off the top of my head. It all ended up being explained away and unfounded....so my neighbor hated me for a while; because once a call like that is made, it is on your record FOREVER. Someone that has had Child Protective Services on them, whether it is legitimit or not, is no longer eligible to become Foster/adoptive parents.
Thanks, Marie....you've helped remind me how important it is for me to become a Foster Parent. I'm too full of love for all kids to just sit here and wish I had more than my one child. I need to get the ball rolling and do something that will help not only me (and my family) but a child or two, too.
That song Concrete Angel always puts a little tear in my eye. Your post reminds me of what happened to me when I was a kid. If it weren't for my neighbors getting involved my mother, brothers and I would be dead. Thats not an exaggeration. Thanks for asking people to get involved when they see something that they even suspect to be bad. Follow your gut and get involved. The child that you could be saving might go on to do GREAT things and help so many others. The stereotype is so wrong that an abused child will go on to be abuse others. I think some people like to use abuse for an excuse to abuse. These kids are worth saving. Thanks for posting:)
That was so sad... but so true.
=(
*le sigh*