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Support > Positive Parenting

For Parents: Child Abuse Can Be Prevented

Please talk with your children about this important issue. Talk about the things you do to take care of them, to keep them safe and healthy. Be sure they know who to talk to if they are concerned about an unsafe situation and you are not available.

We suggest that you begin with a discussion of what children need to grow up safe and healthy. For young children, you may first discuss what plants (or pets) need to grow – e.g. sunlight, water, soil, and protection from temperatures that are too cold or too hot.

Discuss what children need. In addition to food and a safe place to live, children need clothing to keep them warm and dry, they need medical care and they need to attend school. Children need love and attention.

It is important that children know that most adults take good care of children. However, some do not. Sometimes adults don’t take good care of children or even hurt children. But, “it shouldn’t hurt to be a child.” If a child is being hurt or is in an unsafe situation they should talk to an adult who can help. Children should learn that they can talk to individuals in school if they need help.

What Can You Do to Prevent Child Abuse?

Use non-violent ways to discipline children. Support parenting classes in your community.
If you are stressed, take time out, or call a friend.
Be a friend to others. Take time to listen to a friend who is stressed. Offer to care for his or her child.
Select babysitters carefully. Check references.

For more information, contact the Westchester Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect by phone at 914-345-5900, extension 240 or by emailing our Information and Referral line at help@mhawestchester.org.

You can also contact Prevent Child Abuse New York by phone at 1-800-CHILDREN or by going to their web site at http://www.preventchildabuseny.org.

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