PDN Article: April 20, 2013
The
month of April is the national and local month of the young child and Child
Abuse Prevention Month. This month brings to our increased awareness the
importance of and our commitment to promoting the health, well being and safety
of children.
This
also is a reminder that children are our greatest resource and we must be
proactive in nurturing and protecting their healthy development, even during
trying economic times. We want to prepare our children to be emotionally
healthy and productive leaders of tomorrow.
In my
last article, I compared the constant and diligent work involved in raising a
child to that of tending to a garden. Children usually do not grow up well on
their own without the love, care and guidance of an emotionally healthy adult.
Or in other words, raised with "a good enough mothering."
An
emotionally healthy adult who can provide good enough mothering is one who
understands the responsibility of raising a child, who will spend time to teach
and model good behaviors based on positive family values -- a caregiver who is
not afraid to be firm, to set limits and take charge as the adult, as the
parent. One who is consistent in his/her principles and practices yet able to
be flexible when necessary -- an adult who can admit to making mistakes and
asking for forgiveness for his/her mistakes.
Lifelong
effects
In
reflecting on the many incidents of child abuse, we must be cognizant that
child abuse is traumatic, damaging, and has a lifelong effect. Studies have
shown that the majority of individuals in the prison system have been victims
of abuse or violence as children. Studies also have shown that many individuals
who attempted or die from suicide are victims of abuse and violence.
The
number of cases of abuse and violence against children on Guam
that we know of, and reported in the media, is alarming and very disheartening.
One wonders what can we do to prevent these incidents. The "why"
question can be very frustrating, as there is no justification at all for any
abuse to occur to any child.
We
need to focus on the "what" question -- what can we do to prevent
child abuse? What can we do to help support children growing up, especially in
single-parent households? What can we do to keep children safe from being
abused -- physically, emotionally and sexually? What can we do as adults to be
positive role models to children?
Each
and every one of us can do something to the "what" question that does
not cost money.
What
each one of us can do, as a start, is to model positive behaviors, starting
with being caring, kind, patient and respectful to one another. By
demonstrating any of these positive behaviors, we can reduce our own stress and
those around us. We can be helpful to someone in need.
This
simple act of caring can go a long way, as it has a contagious quality to it.
Just try it out, and see how it works!
Annie
F.B.Unpingco, LCSW, is administrator of I Famagu'on-ta, Child Adolescent
Services Division at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
