Parenting is a long road where you have to do more than provide financially for your child. You need to raise strong and independent human beings who can cope with various situations and crises.
Education strengthens them financially, but you must also impart mental and emotional strength as a part of their upbringing.
Creating awareness about abuse is essential in this context because this crime against children is more common than you imagine.
You cannot be too sure about the safety of your child as anyone can be a culprit. Studies indicate that children encounter abuse at school, playground, and even at home.
Someone they trust can be abusive, and they may not even realize what they are going through. As a parent, you can do your bit by raising strong and self-aware children. Here are a few tips to help.
Recognize the Early Signs of Abuse
Most parents miss out on educating their kids about child abuse because they think it cannot happen to them.
But your child may actually be suffering without even being aware. As a parent, you must recognize the early signs of abuse yourself to defend your kids.
The signs of abuse are seldom easy to spot without hindsight. So you must be vigilant about behavioral and emotional changes such as increased anxiety, rebellion, angry outbursts, withdrawal, and isolation. Likewise, swelling, bruises, and rashes are signs of physical abuse.
Also, look out for physical problems such as unexplained headaches and urinary tract infections. If you notice these signs, act sooner than later.
Educate the Child at a Young Age
Starting education about these threats at a young age is a part of your parental duties. Explaining concepts like private parts, physical abuse, and bad touch to a little one is unnerving for a parent.
But you must shed inhibitions and begin as early as possible. Teaching a toddler about body parts and bad touch gives you a good start.
Remember to use age-appropriate language. Explain that no one should be allowed to touch these parts, even if your kids know a person.
Do not take a one-time approach to abuse awareness and discuss the topic frequently during the growing years.
Educate Yourself
Educating yourself is a part of raising self-aware kids, so you must know the appropriate strategies to deal with child abuse.
Recognizing signs is a good start because it enables you to know when to get into action. Understand the legal steps you must take when your little one raises an alarm.
Remember that there is always a chance of a child misunderstanding the intentions of an adult. A falsely accused person can get help from a criminal defense attorney to defend themselves.
So ensure to check facts before accusing someone. You must also know how to deal with the medical and emotional implications of abusive situations.
Keep the Communication Open
Children often fail to report abuse because of a lack of good communication with parents. They may internalize a sense of fear, shame, or embarrassment and suffer in silence for years.
People indulging in child abuse often get away with the act because kids do not bring up the matter. From early on, keep the communication open.
Facilitate conversations with your children, and let them know they can talk about anything. Have daily talks about their day at school, playground, and home.
Listen carefully, give attention to details, and ask questions to address doubts. Let good communication be a part of education against abuse.
Trust Your Child
Trust is the cornerstone of good parenting, so foster a two-way trust factor with your kids.
Many victims end up believing that parents will not take their word, while others think they are at fault for being abused. The perpetrators may coerce silence via emotional abuse, threats of harm, or warnings that no one will believe the victim.
Demonstrate unconditional love and explain that you trust the child without a doubt. They will feel safe enough to bring up the smallest issues and seek your help.
Be patient and steer clear of behavior like judgment, blame, or disbelief, as they may cause the child to shut down about the abuse.
The parental role is not just about fulfilling the physical and financial needs of children. It also entails taking care of their emotional needs and creating awareness is the best way to start.
Follow these tips to raise strong and self-aware children who can fight back and seek parental help without hesitation. Rest assured, they will be safe from such situations.
