April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Activities

Blue Ribbon Media Event Scheduled for April 1 at 1:30 p.m.
St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital and FACES along with other community partners will host a kick off event on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 1:30 p.m.
St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, entrance to Children’s Specialty Center
More Information

St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital and our community partners invite you to join with us in these fun hands-on activities:  

Boise Public Library Toddletales
Story time for children ages 2-3
Tuesday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. and Monday, April 7, 10:15 a.m.
Boise Public Library, 715 S Capitol Blvd, FREE

St. Luke’s Community Open House and Health Fair
Bike safety, MaxWell Moose Ambulance and fun family activities.
Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
St. Luke’s Eagle, 3101 E. State Street, Eagle, FREE

Handmade Too! Arts & Crafts
20% off bisqueware and studio fees for kids and families.
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Handmade Too!, 60 S. Eagle Road, Eagle

All Children Deserve Freedom from Abuse

It is a difficult realization to face, but nearly everyone has the potential to cross the line and abuse a child. It is easy to say, “ I would never cause harm to a child.” Yet until we are faced with a very bad day coupled with an incessantly irritable, demanding child, it is impossible to know just what are our limits of control and our anger management capacity.

Each day, often several times a day, parents and caregivers find themselves struggling to find ways to cope with their child’s behavior, whether a crying newborn, a stubborn toddler or an uncommunicative teenager. It’s easy to get frustrated and angry, and the need to release steam can become overwhelming. When you reach your breaking point, what should you do?

• Ensure your child’s safety by removing yourself from the situation. If your baby is crying inconsolably, put him or her in the crib or cradle and leave the area or step outside into the yard for a few minutes until you can regain your composure. If a trusted neighbor is available, ask if they will watch your baby while you go for a walk around the block. Never shake your baby.

• With toddlers, think of their temper tantrums as a performance. The best way to cope is to eliminate the audience, namely you. When your toddler has an outburst, leave the room. If he follows, call a timeout and put him in his playpen. If you’re out in public, calmly carry your child to the restroom or to your car, where he can finish his performance away from onlookers. Never strike your child in a fit of anger.            

• Older children and adolescents require a different approach – ignoring them will not solve the problem. However, good communication is impossible when you or your child is angry. Both you and your child need to take a break. Tell them you’ll be back in 10 minutes to calmly discuss the issue. If you’re in the car, agree to a couple minutes of silence so you can each collect your thoughts.  Remain the adult parent, and don’t strike out and injure your child physically, or emotionally with ugly words.  

Our number one job as adults is to protect the children in our lives. If children cannot trust and respect us, what stability and safety do they have? If you are having trouble coping, or know someone who is, get help. Parenting is the most important job in the world, and everyone can do it better with support.

Each year, thousands of Idaho children are victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. To help prevent this from happening in your community, resources for parents and caregivers are available through the State of Idaho CareLine. Simply dial 2-1-1. By working together, we can ensure the safety and security of all children.

For additional information, call St. Luke’s Women’s and Children’s Community Education at 381-3033.