COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL APRIL 11, 2018
11A
April is National
Child Abuse
Prevention Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month has its roots in 1982, when Congress
designated June 6–12 as the fi rst National Child Abuse Prevention
Week. The next year, President Reagan established April as the fi rst
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Children’s Bureau’s
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, a division of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, produced promotional
materials like posters, bumper stickers, and buttons. For
example, 1984’s theme was the blunt “Kids—You can’t beat ’em.”
Print, radio, and television PSA carried the message, “Take time
out. Don’t take it out on your kid.” The Blue Ribbon Campaign to
Prevent Child Abuse dates to 1989, when a grandmother in Virginia
tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car to memorialize her
grandson, who had died as a result of abuse, and spread the word to
her community about the problem of child abuse. More information
and a timeline of nationwide prevention eff orts can be found at the
Children’s Bureau website.
Easy Ways to Help
No matter who you are, you have a part to play in preventing child
abuse. You may be in a position to give help – or a position to receive
it. It’s all about being the best parent you can be . . . and about sup-
porting parents to do so. Here, ideas for things you can do, whatever
your role.
I’m a Parent
• Reach Out
Often, people want to help – they’re just not sure how. Neighbors and
friends want to be asked, and you’ll be surprised at how much they can
off er.
• Learn
Lanekids.org is a great resource for parenting blogs, information, and tips.
Check it out!
• Take Time
Connecting can be quick but worthwhile. “What was the best thing that
happened to you today?” is a great conversation starter with kids.
• Connect
You are not alone. If you have a question about parenting, it’s guaranteed
someone else has asked the same thing. Whether you join a parenting
group in person or reach out online, communication helps.
• Go Easy on Yourself
Raising kids is hard work. It’s OK to give yourself a break – let your partner
take over for an afternoon, or do something nice for yourself. Everyone
needs positive reinforcement!
• Give Back
Helping others can put everything in perspective. Volunteer, or fi nd an
opportunity to pitch in as a family.
I Can Help a Parent
• Decrease Isolation
To decrease feelings of isolation, get to know the families in your
neighborhood. Call or stop by for friendly conversation or to see if they
need support.
• Baby Sit
Off er to babysit so that parents can have a night out or simply get caught
up on chores or “to dos.” If you have kids yourself, create a schedule so that
you and another family can take turns babysitting for each other.
• Lend a Hand
Did one of your co-workers take a sick day? Check in with them to see if
they need anything. Do their kids need a ride home from school or to an
extracurricular activity?
• Be Understanding
Be forgiving. Sometimes parents experience unforeseen circumstances
with their children. If a parent shows up late or cancels on a commitment,
give them the benefi t of the doubt.
• Collaborate
If you are taking your child to an event or practice, check in with other
parents to see if a carpool can be set up.
• Listen
Listen. Oftentimes, parents just need to vent to someone who won’t judge
them.
*Content developed in collaboration with United Way/
LaneKids*
Where Child Abuse
Hurts Most
Sometimes the worst scars of child abuse can’t be seen. Whether physical or
emotional, abuse attacks a child’s self-esteem and emotional development, leaving
long-term emotional trauma and pain. You can help prevent child abuse by being
a nurturing parent or caregiver. By letting children know they are special,
competent and loved, you can help them develop positive self-images and happier
futures. If you feel overwhelmed, angry or frustrated as a parent, help is out
there for you. Look in your area for support groups and services, or talk to a
trusted friend, family member, pastor or doctor about what you can do to protect
and support your child. If we all do our part to prevent child abuse, we’ll get to
the heart of the matter.
This National Child Abuse Prevention Month message is brought to you by:
Cottage Grove Police Department
400 E. Main St.
Non-Emergency: 541-942-9145
Community Resources
South Lane School District Family Resource Center (Peggy’s Primary
Connection) covers everything from parent education to health care to
housing assistance in the South Lane region.
The Family Relief Nursery helps families and children in Cottage Grove
with parenting classes, early childhood education, respite care, and
resource referrals.
Pinwheels
The blue pinwheel is a symbol of the fun, carefree childhood that every
child deserves. When you see a pinwheel, imagine a world free of abuse
and neglect. The national organization Prevent Child Abuse America has
used the whimsical pinwheel symbol since 2008 to epitomize its mes-
sage: “All children deserve great childhoods because children are our
future.” Visit PCAA (http://preventchildabuse.org/resource/pinwheels-
for-prevention/) for more information on the history of Pinwheels for
Prevention. Pinwheels are a symbol of the safe, happy, and carefree child-
hood that every child deserves. More than just an awareness campaign,
the goal of Pinwheels for Prevention is to remind people to take action
to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the fi rst place. When
businesses and organizations across the country commit to displaying
pinwheels in April, they make a public statement about the importance of
recognizing both the seriousness of abuse and the opportunity we have
right now – this month, this day, in this region – to end it.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention
Month. By knowing
the signs of child abuse, you can
help prevent it. If you suspect a
child is being abused, contact
your local police or child welfare
agency for guidance.
Potential victims of child abuse will often
exhibit the following signs:
• Sudden changes in behavior or
school performance.
• Neglect of physical or medical problems
brought to the parents’ attention.
• Learning problems that are not
attributed to specific physical or
psychological causes.
• Constant watchfulness, as if he or she is
preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lack of adult supervision and
reluctance to return to the home.
Creswell Christian School & Childcare
501 Holbrook Ln, Creswell
www.creswellchristianschool.com
541-895-4622
Womenspace
1577 Pearl St. #200
Eugene, OR
541-485-8232
www.womenspaceinc.org
Pinocchio’s Pizza
1795 E. Main St, Cottage Grove
541-942-5531
First Presbyterian Church
216 S 3rd Street
Cottage Grove, OR
541-942-4479
www.cgpresbynews.com
South Lane County Fire e & Re
Rescue
esc
scue
233 Harrison Ave., C.G. • 541-942-4493
Cottage Grove Safe Haven, Inc.
P.O. Box 1146
Cottage Grove, OR
541-946.3234
www.cottagegrovesafehaven.com
Lavender Field Embroidery
78481 Cedar Park Road
Cottage Grove, OR
541-556-3858
April is National Child
Abuse Prevention Month,
a reminder that every
child deserves to feel
safe at home and in his
or her community.
Shampoo Dolls
435 E Main Street
Cottage Grove, OR
541-942-9395
Cottage Grove Sentinel
116 N. 6th, PO Box 35
541-942-3325
If you feel you are in danger of harming your child,
help is available. Reach out to church or family support
resources in your community or speak confi dentially with
a Childhelp ® counselor at 800.422.4453. Or call us Locally.
South Lane Mental Health Services, Inc.
1345 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
541-942-3939 • slmh.org
