April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a time for all of us to recognize to that we each have a job to do – and that’s paying extra special attention to the social and emotional well-being of our children. They are blessings…not burdens.
Why?
To you this may not even mean anything, because it’s just not an issue for you and your family. Unfortunately, this is a reality for tons of helpless, innocent children who cannot defend themselves. The truth is, children are suffering from this hidden epidemic of child abuse, as well as neglect. Every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). Here in the U.S., we have the worst record in the industrialized nation – losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths.
History
Alarming statistics like these are the reasons that awareness needs to be brought to the forefront. Thankfully in 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a result, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted across the country during April of each year. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN) within the Children’s Bureau coordinates Child Abuse Prevention Month activities at the Federal level, providing information and releasing updated national statistics about child abuse and neglect.
Child Discipline vs. Child Abuse
This is a gray area for some parents because of our different perceptions of parenting. Do you use the “time out” approach? Do you spank? Do you ground your children? People discipline children in various ways, we know this, but child abuse is just what the words imply. . .abusing a child, and that consists of ANYTHING that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional well being and development. Some people, sadly mistake abuse for discipline. In contrast, child discipline should be looked at as simply training. God has given us parents a duty to train and teach our children appropriate behaviors and actions. Therefore, consequences are necessary.
Bottom line is, our precious children did not ask to be here. Nor are they born knowing how to behave or what is acceptable and expected. This is taught. As parents we must invest time, energy and most of all patience when it comes to our children. Nobody ever said being a parent would be easy, but when done the right way, is very rewarding!
Sources:
www.childhelp.org
www.childwelfare.gov
BMWK – Do you have any advice to share on how to prevent child abuse?
Krishann says
As someone with a history in Child Welfare I am SO thankful for this post. Thank you for talking about something that many struggle to talk about despite it being a real issue impacting our children. Children are truly one of God’s most greatest gifts and by knowing what to look out for we have a chance to help ensure that they are able to live, thrive and reach their fullest potential…