CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
April is Child Abuse Awareness month. It is a time when we should all think about how we can be a better parent and a better protector of children in the community. Child abuse is not something that occurs only in other people's homes.
Times are difficult right now; you see it every day when you turn on the news. It is easy to become overwhelmed, and as parents, we need to be aware of our stress levels and know when we need to ask for help. Getting to the end of their rope does not make someone a bad parent, it makes them human. Asking for help before they do something they regret makes them a responsible parent.
Dealing with stress
When you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, try some of these tips to help lower your stress levels:
· Count to ten. Go to another room for a few minutes. If the child is an infant or toddler, put him in a safe place first.
· Lie on the couch, put both feet up and place a cool cloth on your eyes or forehead. Take a couple of deep breaths and think of a peaceful scene. Lie there for at least five minutes.
· Call a friend or relative who understands what you're going through. Tell about the issue and get the support you need.
· When the child is taking a nap use the time to relax. Take a bubble bath, read a book or listen to soothing music with your eyes closed.
· Try a new routine. Take a walk, visit a friend or watch a special program on television.
· Do something physical. Physical activity is good for the parent and the child. It lets off steam, and often it's free.
Knowing when to ask for help
These tension relievers aren't enough for many people. They work hard to control their emotions, but sometimes they feel they can't stand the frustration any longer. Asking for help is a sign of good sense. Anyone answering yes to any of these questions may benefit from some help from outside of their family.
· Do you feel as though you take your frustrations out on your kids?
· Do you feel out of control more than you like?
· Do you feel overwhelmed and see no way out of problem situations?
· Do you strike out either physically or verbally when you're angry with your children?
· Do you feel as if your children misbehave on purpose?
· Are you frustrated because your children don't listen to you?
· Do you feel as if you pick on a particular child?
· Do you feel that your children rarely do what you expect of them?
· Do you feel as if you can't talk to your kids?
It's not always easy for people to reach out for help, but when they do they'll find many caring people who want to hear from them, people who will listen and provide assistance.
What help is available?
· Talk to someone. Tell a friend, health-care provider, counselor or a leader in the local faith community how you feel or join a support group for parents.
· Reach out to other parents. You may find parents with children around the same age at a local playground, church, or your child's daycare or school. Maybe consider childcare swapping with neighbors or friends when noticing a friend who is overwhelmed, offer to give them a break.
· Call a help line. Childhelp® runs a national 24-hour hotline (1.800.4.A.CHILD) for parents who need help or parenting advice.
Family Advocacy is always here to provide advice, education, counseling and referrals. Please call us at any time at 963-6972.
Information was adapted with permission from the Children's Trust Fund of South Carolina's Community Prevention Resource Guide.