Unbeknownst to many, child abuse comes in many forms. It is not just physical or verbal pain inflicted to children but even neglect is considered child abuse. Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment to children and not all parents are aware that this is a real thing.
As parents, your responsibilities include providing your children with their basic needs and showering them with love and care. This is considered a foundation so that they will grow up to be mature and happy individuals.
What can you do to prevent child abuse?
Some parents fall short in raising their children because of unexpected circumstances. Parents are too busy making ends meet while others do not have enough resources to take care of them. This is a sad reality for many households, and it is the children who are greatly affected.
Being a parent is hard, but it becomes harder when you see your own children not able to enjoy their lives.
1. Be mindful and loving in disciplining your children.
It is never acceptable to physically hurt your children when you discipline them. Recent studies show that spanking or hurting your children physically will do no good, especially in their adulthood. They are just children and hurting them does not guarantee that they will not do it again. Understand your children and why they behave that way. Hurting them will only leave a scar that will never go away.
2. Educate yourself and others about raising children positively.
There are no manuals and tutorial classes on the best way to raise your children, but you must know how to handle children the right way. Educate yourself and other parents on how to always make your children safe and secure. You all need to learn what comprises child abuse and the telltale signs of it. You can share your experiences and effective ways in handling them. You can even come up with after-school activities for them or playdates so that your children will have more friends.
3. Ask help when needed.
It is not a crime to ask for help from other parents and relatives. If you are too busy with work, you can ask your mother-in-law to look after your children. You can also ask for favors from other parents in picking up your children from school if you are running late. Make sure that you return the favor next time. Busy parents often neglect their children or take out their stress on them. You also need to know that you can take a break from your children. Have some alone time to refresh and to calm yourself from all the stress.
4. Get professional help with your problem.
Whether you are suffering from depression, substance, or alcohol abuse, you need to go see a therapist or psychologist. Know that having these issues at home will only create a chaotic and toxic environment for your children. It is better that you, yourself, are aware that being in this state is never healthy and will only be traumatic for the children.
Mindshift Psychological Services is the ideal place to have therapy near me or counselling sessions. They offer services that will help you overcome your problems and be the best parents to your children. Their services include Depression Therapy, Individual Psychotherapy, Trauma Therapy near me and Family Therapy. Set up an appointment through their website or you can contact them at (714) 584 9700.
You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of your children well. Be brave enough to tell yourself that you need help. Your children depend on you.
5. Get to know your children’s friends, teachers, and other adults they often encounter.
Even if you are busy with work and other things, set aside time in getting to know their friends and teachers and even sports coaches. Your children must feel that you are interested and involved in their lives so that they will feel close and comfortable in telling you everything. Establish a relationship or a connection with all the people present in your children’s lives because they will help you in looking out for them.
6. Teach your children their rights.
Even at a young age, you can start teaching your children their rights and the proper ways to protect themselves. Make them understand that it is not wrong to say no to anyone or walk away immediately if they feel uncomfortable in a situation. There are so many age-appropriate ways that you can teach your children because you are not with them all the time. Encourage them to report any maltreatment they experience, or they see happening around them.
7. Be involved in prevention programs.
Do not wait for a child abuse to happen before supporting any programs about it. Always be involved in all causes and programs that promote children’s welfare. Join community groups that help children who are victims of abuse and participate in their advocacies in preventing this from happening. Be the person that everybody feels at ease in asking for help and support. Remember that anyone can be a victim of child abuse. It is good and a relief for parents and children to know that there are people that they can approach if they need help.
8. Make your home a safe and violent-free zone.
Never permit anyone, especially your children to watch violent shows or play brutal games. This does not help them at all. This just triggers your children to be hot-headed and temperamental. As parents, set an example to your children as well by learning how to control your anger, not to say bad words or not to shout at anyone. You can even do meditations with your spouse and children. Mindshift Psychological Services has meditation videos that you can do at home. Find your inner peace.
9. Allow your children to be children.
It is good to teach your children their responsibilities early on, but this does not mean that they are not allowed to play and be children. Give them time to be with their friends while teaching them to do household chores. Encourage them to be helpful at home while enjoying their childhood. A happy childhood is a memorable gift you can give to your children.
10. Report suspected child abuse.
There is no better way to prevent child abuse than reporting it to authorities. If you suspect and hear that abuse is happening at home, in school or in the community, never hesitate to report it right away. Every second counts because a child’s life is at stake. Remember that an abused child needs everyone’s help.
