One of the most important things you can do to prevent
child abuse is to build a positive relationship with
your own children.
Help your children feel loved and secure.
We can all take steps to improve our relationship with
our children:
- Make sure your children know you love them, even
when they do something wrong.
- Encourage your children. Praise their achievements
and talents.
- Spend time with your children. Do things together
that you all enjoy.
Seek help if you need it.
Problems such as unemployment, marital tension, or a
child with special needs can add to family tension.
Parenting is a challenging job on its own. No one expects
you to know how to do it all. If you think stress may
be affecting the way you treat your child, or if you
just want the extra support that all parents need at
some point, try the following:
Talk to someone. Tell a friend,
healthcare provider, or a leader in your faith community
about your concerns. Or join a self-help group for
parents.
Get counseling. Individual or family
counseling can help you learn healthy ways to communicate
with each other.
Take a parenting class. Nobody was
born knowing how to be a good parent. Parenting classes
can give you the skills you need to raise a happy,
healthy child.
Accept help. You don't have to do
it all. Accept offers of help from friends, family,
or neighbors. And don't be afraid to ask for help
if you need it.
Source:
Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Gateways to Prevention: What Everyone Can Do to Prevent
Child Abuse, 2003 Child Abuse Prevention Community Resource
Packet
http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/topics/reporting/guidelines.cfm
