Thoughts For Thursday

When the lives and the rights of children are at stake, there must be no silent witnesses- Carol Bellamy

They Are The World... They Are Our Children

How many times do you see a child with a bruise, ask them how they got and they always have the perfect excuse.? Though most may brush it off the first time, how many times there after do we as the public allow the bruises to continue and except the stories the child or guardian may give you? Approximately five children die a day  due to abuse and/or neglect and 80% are under 4yrs old. In 2010, an estimated 1,560 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States according to the National Children's Alliance. This number may not seem like much to some, but these are not dollars. There our children; our future and the ones that will lead us to great things. Who's job is it to make sure that they have the opportunity to do so? As a parent you have a divine animal right to protect your own life and the life of your offspring. But who protects those whose parents are the abuser?  Who protects those who have no one to fight for them?The answer is simple: WE ALL DO!! April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is seen as a time to recognize that we each can play a part in promoting the social and emotional well being of children and the families in our community.

The most obvious signs can be overlooked sometimes when it comes to child abuse or neglect. Here are a few to look out for

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Hasn't received help for physical/medical problems which have been brought to  the parents attention
• Has learning problems that can't be attributed to specific physical/psychological causes
• Always watchful like they are preparing for the worse
• Is overly compliant, an overachiever, or too responsible
• comes to school too early, stays late and NEVER wants to go home

There also signs for the parent as well:

• Shows little to no concern for the child: rarely answering  to request from schools for meetings, information, or even home visits.
• Is in denial of or blames the child for problems in school/home
• Views the child as bad, worthless or burdensome.
• Demands perfection either physical or academically on levels that are impossible to achieve

Abuse and neglect by that of a guardian is not always their intention. Some are overwhelmed with work, under paid, dealing with bills, the home and kid(s) can be a challenge. Not everyone can carry out such a tall order especially if they are doing it alone. One can become burnt out taking their frustration out on the innocent or neglecting their needs because the have to work so hard to provide whatever they can.

Though that is not an excuse or a free pass to do so, it is the unfortunate truth. So what can we do in order to avoid this situation from occurring? Let these few tips be a helpful guide:

• Be a friend to another parent. Inquire about their children, call and be there for them. Make sure to reassurance and support them. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show them you understand and that your their for them.
• Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names and smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care and they may be more willing to open up to you about problems.
• The neighborhood is a family. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved. When the kids play, have enough eyes watching. Protect the youth as a whole and not just your own as you would want the same done for yours in return.

 Abuse and neglect of a child is never okay and we should never stand for it. If you see something is wrong, you don't have to be a mandated reporter in order to stop it. Understand 1stClassLadies is NOT saying you can not discipline your child as we are all mothers and know that straighting them out when they have done wrong is a must. We are simply stating there is a limit and you should know what its. They did not ask to be here so they should not have to pay for it in the form of abuse or neglect. They will some day run this world- shouldn't it be run by good people?