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Preventing Abuse:


Awareness Helps Stop Child Abuse
Tips for parents and others in contact with children from
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (NCPCA)

  1. Reward children; compliment them when they do well. Instead of telling them, "No- no, don't do that," tell them what they should do.
  2. When pressure builds up, don't lash out at your children in anger. Control your temper. Never act in anger.
  3. Take the time to enjoy your child.
  4. If your own childhood was unhappy and unpredictable, consider professional counselling and/or a parenting class to bolster self-esteem and promote coping skills.
  5. Don't worry about being a perfect parent. It's not possible.
  6. Remember, you are the adult. Set a good example; never raise your voice, or your hand, in anger.
  7. Contact your local radio and television stations to request that public service announcements be used for public education.
  8. Praise your child daily in some way. Kind words make him or her feel special today and help him or her be a better adult tomorrow.
  9. Support local programs for new parents. Many community agencies need volunteers like you. Share your time and talent.
  10. Call the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse at 800155-NCPCA for free materials on how you can prevent child abuse.

 

Spanking
If you agree with spanking, here are some guidelines suggested by a pediatrician and lecturer on discipline, Dr. Den A. Trumbull of Montgomery, Alabama. He also encourages the liberal use of praise for good behavior.

  • Younger than 12 months - Distract, restrain or remove the child from the scene of the undesirable act.

  • 12 to 18 months - Explain the disobedient act, express disapproval and use, 'time out.' If that fails, a forewarned child should be spanked for defiance. (The parent takes the child over the knee in a private place and spanks once or twice on the buttocks.) Then the parent should review the offence with the child and restore the relationship.

  • 3 1/2 to 6 - Set a good parental example. Restrict privileges first, use time out and always explain the reason behind any punishment. If that fails, a spanking in private, then review the offence and restore the relationship.

  • 3 to 10 - Spanking should rarely be used. Privileges should be restricted instead.

  • 10 and older - Spanking is almost never appropriate.

    Reproduced by W.A.S.H.

 

Seven Steps to Stamp Out Child Abuse
 from Joy Byers, National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse
1-800-55-NCPCA PO Box 2866, Chicago, IL 60690

1. Report suspected abuse or neglect. In form authorities if you suspect that children are being harmed. Your concern may mean that children are protected from an abusive environment.

2. Advocate for services to help families. Communities need comprehensive services that address issues that affect families. Parenting programs, health care and adequate housing are vital to maintaining healthy children and families.

3. Volunteer at a local anti-child-abuse program. Parent support groups, crisis center and hot lines are typical programs that often welcome volunteers. Check your telephone directory for the names of agencies in your area.

4. Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Someone you know may be struggling with parenting responsibilities. Offer a sympathetic ear or a helping hand. Assisting occasionally with child care or offering to locate sources of community help can be a tremendous boost to someone under stress.

5. Help yourself. Recognize the signs that indicate outside help is needed. If you feel overwhelmed, constantly sad, angry and out of control, get help. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. Support and suggest programs on child-abuse prevention for local organizations. Kiwanis Clubs, Exchange Clubs, the PTA, church groups and women's and men's clubs all offer excellent opportunities for raising public awareness in the community.

7. Promote programs in schools. Teaching prevention strategies can help keep children safe from those who would abuse them.

Reprinted by W.A.S.H.

 

 

 

This page last updated on Sunday January 29, 2006 11:15 AM

Disclaimer: We are not a counselling service.  We prepare materials to help church
members and church leaders better understand the problems abuse brings and prevention methods.

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