April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • 6th Medical Group Family Advocacy
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Month of the Military Child. This is a time to focus on the protection and care of our most vulnerable and trusting family members.

Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed each April since its first presidential proclamation in 1983. Since that time, individuals and organizations have joined together every April not only to raise the public's awareness of child abuse, but to educate society on how to prevent it.

The physical and emotional abuse of children yields harmful consequences for society: a growing body of evidence links child abuse and neglect with drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, youth violence and chronic health problems. It's therefore critical to focus on preventing child abuse and neglect before it starts.

Here are a few tips on how to be the best parent you can be:

· Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know they are special and loved. Educate yourself about a child's development process so you can have reasonable expectations about what your child can and cannot do.

· Dealing with a crying baby. It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to calm your baby. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying, but never shake a baby.

· Monitor your child's television and computer use. Watching violent films on TV or playing violent computer games can harm young children. Not only does it scare them, but it also teaches children that aggression is a good way to handle frustration and solve problems.

· Spend time playing with your children ... or read to them instead!

· Report suspected abuse or neglect. Call Family Advocacy at 827-9172.

Dedicating the month of April to the observance of Child Abuse Prevention is an appropriate reminder of our collective responsibility to prevent the abuse and neglect that robs so many of our society's children of their childhood, their sense of security and well-being and their future.

Family Advocacy offers many voluntary services for new and expectant parents through the New Parent Support Program. For more information, contact Family Advocacy at 827-9172.