Image courtesy Bill Gantz.
Children all over the world suffer, and it’s a painful reality.
Not that everyone’s childhood is or was the epitome of balloon animals and pizza parties, but still… can we be this “civilized” a society, and not have made further progress in protecting children?
I have a neighbor that constantly screams at his children under the age of five, and treats them roughly. I’ve been in public areas where mothers and fathers yank their children around the store or event, talk down to them, threaten them with corporal punishment when they get home, and worse…
Seeing things like this makes me sad. It’s a huge problem across the world, but more importantly, right in the areas where we live.
What are the options? What can we do or say when we run into a situation where a child’s safety is being endangered by parents? How can we contribute to a solution to this grave problem?
September 20, 2007 at 18:01
This is an overwhelming problem that I’m not sure anyone really knows how to solve or deal with.
That said, I do think there are some concrete things that can be done. Maybe these ideas can get us started?
On a global level: support programs, individuals, and causes that research and aid children in these situations.
On a national & state level: support legislation, funding, and programs that alleviate child suffering. If there’s a child abuse case that gets national attention, instead of following along for sensationalism or entertainment value, follow the conversation and learn more about what causes child abuse and who the main players are helping kids to escape and recover.
On a local level: when you see dangerous situation in your neighborhood, in your church, at the store… take an assessment. Are the children in grave danger? Notify someone in a position to offer support and resources to the family. Ask the parent if you can assist them in any way. Don’t just turn your eyes away from the situation and walk away quickly.
On an individual level: how do we treat children ourselves? What are the methods we use to interact with, teach, or discipline children? Are they effective, and are they healthy? Is there another way to get the message across or calm down before dealing with a frustrating teenager or toddler?
Of course, none of these are going to eliminate child abuse, it’s one of those unfortunate life conditions that permeates society and the world, and is devastating to those who experience it.
But doing something is always better than doing nothing…