How to prevent child abuse

26 Nov How to prevent child abuse

It is possible to prevent child abuse at home, in your environment, or in your community. Although it is true that in general terms governments are also responsible. And must develop plans and strategies to prevent child abuse in all its forms.

Preventing this kind of abuse is important to prevent the development of physical and psychological damage in children. These damages are not only short-term but can last a lifetime.

For example, a child who is abused may develop an insecure attachment, which will influence relationships as an adult. He may also develop low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, among other mental disorders.

Strategies for the prevention of child abuse

Increase Your Children’s Self-Esteem

A good way to prevent child abuse in any field is to promote self-esteem in your children.

If they are able to appreciate and value themselves as people, it will be more difficult for them to be mistreated at school, for example, because they will immediately seek help to get out of that situation.

To stimulate good self-esteem in your children, do not verbally attack them. Never tell your child that he is “dumb.” Don’t compare him to his siblings or classmates. He will end up believing that he is not worth as much as the others and that will destroy his self-esteem.

Encourage their achievements and trust their abilities. Allow them to be wrong and learn from their mistakes. Don’t scold them. Calmly tell them what aspects of themselves they need to improve and trust that they can do it.

Appreciate Positive Attitudes

Another way to improve your children’s self-esteem and prevent them from being mistreated is to recognize and value all their positive attitudes.

When they get a good grade at school or when they behave properly on a walk, it should be pointed out and acknowledged with words and gestures, kisses and hugs.

Teach By Example

You can’t ask a child to stop throwing tantrums and calm down if you’re yelling at them. If you slap him on the wrist, you are teaching him that violence is a way to solve problems.

If you really want to prevent child abuse, you must start by controlling your impulses and acting calm. It is best to retire to your room and not do or say anything until you are calmer if you are feeling angry.

In this way, the children will also learn to control their emotions and in the future, they will not mistreat their own children.

Encourage Dialogue

Dialogue is essential for a correct relationship between parents and children. Listen to what your child has to say and respond calmly and honestly. If you want to help prevent child abuse, tell your children what their rights are.

Tell them that no one has to see or touch their private parts and that if they experience a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell you, they should trust you, because you will always help them.

Adjust Your Expectations

Each child is different and not all have the same abilities, preferences, or talents. Some parents have unrealistic expectations regarding their children’s school or sports performance, and this can lead to situations of child abuse.

As a parent, you must learn to know your children, understand them and help them develop their potential, adjusting your expectations according to their possibilities and preferences.

Seek Professional Help

Unfortunately, there is no school for parents. Not all parents know the best way to raise their children, how to set healthy limits, or how to manage their behaviors.

Therefore, if you are having problems with parenting, you should not feel ashamed or resort to violence. Seek professional help from doctors, psychologists, or institutions that provide help for parents, surely there is one in your community.

Look For Solutions For Specific Pathologies

Sometimes children with certain pathologies, such as anxiety disorders, attention deficit syndrome, or depression, can be victims of child abuse.

If you think that your child’s behavior is not what it should be, you should consult the doctor, perhaps he suffers from some type of disorder that requires specific treatment.

Avoid Unwanted Pregnancies

If you really don’t want to have more children, then take the necessary precautions to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancies increase the risks of child abuse, and having a child is a great responsibility.

If you are not sure that you can or want to raise more children, it is better that you do not have them.

Avoid Violence

Children and adolescents will not learn by blows what their parents want to teach them, you should always keep this in mind.

Violence will not help them behave better or resolve conflicts. On the contrary, when there is violence in the home, children become less sensitive to violent experiences, and child abuse increases.

Learning about the rules of coexistence, peace, solidarity or empathy will not be taught with words, but with your own example.

Set Limits In A Healthy Way

It is possible to set limits in your home and for your children to respect them and respect your authority as a father or mother, without the need to resort to any type of violence, physical or verbal.

In order for authority to be experienced and understood by children as something natural and positive, parents must move away from violent practices and learn to manage their emotions, recognize and express their anger by finding the right words, and they must even learn to ask for authority. Forgive your children when they are wrong.

You may like to read How To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse