3 3 4 4 H I L L S B O R O U G H S T R E E T, S U I T E 1 0 0 - D , R A L E I G H , N C 2 7 6 0 7
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January 10, 2005
DEAR FRIENDS OF CHILDREN Child maltreatment has many solutions, and you will find them all around us – they are our families, friends, neighbors, faith communities, health care providers, and schools. We hope you will join in celebrating and promoting April – Child Abuse Prevention Month. During April, family advocates across the country coordinate efforts and educate the American public in unison about the importance of protecting children and supporting families. Last year, participants across our state distributed more than 120,000 blue ribbons and over 230,000 educational brochures. These numbers represent a great commitment to children and families, with all 100 North Carolina counties having participated. This year, our April Campaign focuses on the family and how we can better support the families and children in our communities. With your help, we know we can make a difference for North Carolina’s families. This packet of information is designed to help you organize your own public education efforts. It is filled with ideas for action, sample materials, and flyers that you can photocopy and distribute. Many organizations also plan community activities such as: > Organizing a Blue Ribbon for KidsTM campaign > Hosting a Parent Education Fair > Working with local media to feature stories on positive parenting > Planning events to honor professionals who work with children and families > Coordinating events such as Kids Carnivals, Family Luncheons, and Parenting Workshops. We have included tools in this packet you can use to start the planning process for these events. You can also visit our web site, www.preventchildabusenc.org, for more information. As always, we are available at 1-800-CHILDREN to offer further assistance on raising public awareness and planning activities for April. Thank you for the work you do throughout the year to protect children and support families. Yours sincerely,
JENNIFER TOLLE WHITESIDE, MA
STEVE SHAW
Executive Director
President – Board of Directors
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina
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PUBLIC AWARENESS TOOLS
PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES
Blue Ribbon for Kids Campaign – Work
Family Carnival – Games, rides, food, and fun –
with law enforcement officers, teachers, school athletic directors, childcare professionals, pediatricians, civic groups, faith organizations, and businesses to distribute blue ribbons and brochures throughout the month of April.
who could resist? Contact local businesses and ask them to sponsor this event with specific monetary donations in return for signage, exhibit space, and mentions in all advertising materials. Distribute positive parenting information and brochures.
Essay/Poster Contest – Contact local schools and arrange an essay or poster contest. Give the students a theme such as “Recipe for a Happy Family” and provide modest prizes such as trophies or gift certificates. All materials publicizing the event should include child abuse prevention information.
Or …
Parenting Workshop – Conduct a parenting
> Request that businesses in town display positive parenting posters and pledge a small percentage of their profits to child abuse prevention efforts.
TM
workshop at a local community center, school, or church. Distribute free parenting brochures to all who attend.
> Host a Parent Party and invite all parents to participate.
> Distribute brochures at all area childcare centers.
Awards Luncheon – Sponsor a luncheon to honor individuals in your community who work with children and families. Invite the media, provide awards, and recognize the work of your colleagues while publicizing your cause.
Family Health Fair – Coordinate with a local hospital, clinic, or physician to sponsor a Family Health Fair. Distribute information, brochures, and blue ribbons. Ask businesses and medical supply companies to provide merchandise or donate a percentage of sales to child abuse prevention efforts.
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> Distribute ribbons and goody bags at hospital emergency rooms and birthing centers.
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> Ask pediatricians to set up brochure displays in their offices. > Work with schools to distribute information to all students and parents. Your activities are only limited by your imagination. Call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusenc.org for more information!
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PUBLIC AWARENESS TOOLS
THE STORY BEHIND THE
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina is a state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and part of a national prevention network. We began as an all-volunteer group of citizens who wanted to help North Carolina children by strengthening families through support and education. We have evolved into a statewide agency with a network of agencies and volunteers working to prevent child abuse and neglect across the state. We advocate for programs and policies for children and families, provide workshops, trainings and statewide conferences, and work to heighten public awareness around child abuse and neglect and what each of us can do to prevent them. Perhaps the most visible part of what we do is the Blue Ribbon for Kids Campaign that takes place during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month. In the spring of 1989, Bonnie Finney, a Norfolk, Virginia grandmother took a stand against child abuse when she tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van. It was a signal to her community of her personal commitment to involve everyone in the battle against child abuse.
This is Bonnie’s voice: “It’s been so long since I sat by my grandson’s side in the hospital. Of course, I knew something was wrong as I sat there. I saw the fear on his face, the bruises on his body, and the healing cigarette burns on his hands. I only had one child. She was a beautiful little girl. She was the light of our eyes. We knew she had entered into a stormy marriage, for we brought her home several times in the
five years the marriage lasted. We suspected heavy use of drugs, but in those five years, three beautiful, healthy children had been born. I loved them dearly and they loved me. The children were 16 months, three years, and four years old. After the ordeal at the hospital, my grandson was placed in foster care for three weeks. He cried when they came to take him back to his mother. He told his foster mother, ‘My mamma don’t love me,’ and he begged to stay. I ached for his dilemma. But I was not physically able to care for him and the courts seemed to believe that home was the best place for him. I never saw Bubba again. When my 16-month-old granddaughter was hospitalized from a severe beating — her leg broken in four places and her hand burned from the tip of her little finger to her wrist — they decided to start looking for Bubba. We learned that he had been killed, wrapped in a sheet, stuffed in a box, and dumped into the Dismal Swamp three months earlier. My life turned into physical and mental chaos. My efforts to understand became a plea to stop child abuse. I tied a blue ribbon on my van antenna to make people wonder. Why blue? I intend never to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for protection of our children.” Join with Bonnie. Join with us. Please wear the blue ribbon and tell people what it is about. Tell them that we can protect children and support families if we work together. (please see reverse)
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PUBLIC AWARENESS TOOLS
THE
F O R K I D S ™ C A M PA I G N The Blue Ribbon for Kids™ Campaign is part of Child Abuse Prevention Month on a national level. The tradition was started by one woman in 1989 and is now an essential part of child abuse prevention public awareness campaigns. It is an easy, inexpensive, yet highly effective way to help make your community aware of child abuse and its prevention. Our Blue Ribbon for KidsTM Campaign sends positive messages such as “Be a blue ribbon family” or “Make yours a blue ribbon community.” This campaign reminds people that everyone has a role to play in protecting children and supporting families.
Obtaining Blue Ribbons > Request 100 FREE blue ribbons from Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. > Order blue ribbons from Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina for $8 per 100, plus a small shipping and handling charge. (See Order Form) > Ask a local florist or craft store to donate blue ribbon to your cause and cut them into 6-inch pieces.
How to Distribute Your Ribbons > Include a bookmark size information card – with facts about child abuse and how to get involved in prevention – with each ribbon. Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina can provide them or you can make your own. > Give them to a specific “target” group, such as teachers, childcare workers, pediatricians, law
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enforcement officers, pediatric dentists, members of the faith community, civic groups, or local businesses. > Be creative. You are exposed to thousands of people each day. The scope of your distribution depends on how many ribbons you are able to obtain and the connections and energy of you and your colleagues.
More Ideas for Public Awareness Activities and Events > Distribute brochures to all local childcare centers. > Set up bulletin board displays in schools, the airport, or other high-traffic public places. > Sponsor a health fair or mall event; invite other groups to set up booths and distribute information to families. > Organize a town meeting and ask a group of professionals in the field to serve as speakers on child abuse prevention and family issues. > Hang posters about prevention and family support around town. > Sponsor a training workshop for professionals. > Distribute ribbons and goody bags to hospital emergency rooms or birthing centers. > Honor CPS workers and other child advocates with a blue ribbon lapel pin or other small gift at a special breakfast or ceremony.
For more information, please call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusenc.org.
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PUBLIC AWARENESS TOOLS
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
113,557 children* were reported as abused or neglected (SFY 2003-2004) 27,310 of these children were confirmed as victims** 30 children died from child abuse homicide during the 2003 calendar year*** Number of Children Reported as Abused or Neglected
Ages of Children Reported
Child Abuse Homicides
For more information, call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusenc.org. Data is provided by the NC Department of Human Resources, Division of Social Services, Central Registry Reports on Child Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency. Data reflected is for state fiscal year 2003-2004 unless otherwise noted. *The total number of reported children represents unduplicated counts of children. ** This number does not include children found in need of services in the 50 MRS counties. ***Data from the NC Child Fatality Prevention Team.
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PUBLIC AWARENESS TOOLS
APRIL
2005 PUBLIC SERVICE
Radio and television stations are mandated by federal law to air a certain number of hours of public service announcements (PSAs) each month. These PSAs can be distributed to local television and radio stations for air during the month of April. Make sure you have a spokesperson available to record the PSAs if the station requests one.
Blue Ribbon Parent PSA - :30 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month, be a Blue Ribbon parent. Show your children that you love them, it gives them a sense of security and belonging. Give each child your undivided attention when he or she is trying to communicate with you. And find some special time to spend together with your family as well as individually with each child. Don’t forget to wear your blue ribbon as a reward for the great parent you are. Together we can make sure that all children have happy childhoods. Call 1-800-CHILDREN for more information.
Blue Ribbon Community PSA - :30 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month, make yours a Blue Ribbon Community. Support the parents in your community. Lend a hand. Offer advice. Let them know you care. And remember, the attention of a caring adult can make a big difference in the life of a child. This April, wear a Blue Ribbon to show that you care about families and children. Together we can make a difference. To find out more, call 1-800-CHILDREN.
Blue Ribbon Moment PSA - :45 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, time for the annual blue ribbon campaign. It is also a good time to think about “blue ribbon moments” in your own life. (Include personal reminiscence from the speaker here; for instance, “I remember Dad used to take me fishing…these are some of the best memories of my childhood.”) Let’s make sure that all children have blue ribbon moments to remember. Please help us protect children and support families. Call 1-800-CHILDREN and take action today.
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CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Whereas, child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions depends on involvement among people throughout the community;
Whereas, approximately five million children are reported as abused or neglect in this country each year;
Whereas, approximately 113,000 children are reported as abused and neglected in North Carolina last year;
Whereas, 30 children were victims of child abuse homicide in North Carolina during the year 2003;
Whereas, the effects of child abuse are felt by whole communities, and need to be addressed by the entire community;
Whereas, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community;
Whereas, all citizens should become more aware of the negative effects of child abuse and its prevention within the community, and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment;
Therefore, I
do hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in and call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live.
SIGNED
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PUBLIC AWARENESS TOOLS
2005
The following talking points were prepared for your use in communicating with the news media in your community. Remember that local news media will pay more attention to a topic if there is some kind of local “angle.” Your ability to supplement these talking points with evidence from your community will make your story much more appealing to the news media.
Child Abuse and Neglect – General Facts > Child abuse and neglect continue to be important public issues. > There are four types of maltreatment – physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional/psychological abuse. > Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment, but receives far less attention than other forms of abuse. > Both boys and girls are equally at risk for maltreatment. Young children ages 0-3 are at the greatest risk for maltreatment. > Each year, more than five million children nationwide are reported as victims of child abuse or neglect. > Last year in North Carolina, over 113,000 children were reported to Child Protective Services as alleged victims of child abuse or neglect. Also, 30 children died from physical abuse during 2003. > Child abuse occurs in all ethnicities, cultures, education levels, and socioeconomic statuses in society. > Child abuse is not caused by any single factor, but by multiple factors related to the individual, family, community, and greater society.
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Preventing Abuse and Neglect > Many people think prevention means reporting child abuse and neglect, but it does not. Prevention means stopping abuse before it ever starts. > In addition to educating the public, another way to reduce child maltreatment is by targeting voluntary prevention programs to new parents – in their own homes or through community-based settings. > Intensive Home Visiting – IHV – is voluntary home visitation service that can make a world of difference even for parents considered at high-risk for maltreatment of their children. > Simple actions can help a stressed out parent. You can offer to run errands or baby-sit for a parent in need. Other actions like donating clothes or services help alleviate financial pressures that too often lead to abuse or neglect. > Strengthening programs that help parents build skills and develop social networks will help all of North Carolina’s families.
Prevention Funding > The cost of child abuse and neglect in the US is estimated at $94 billion annually, causing a staggering financial strain on our social, medical, and judicial services. In total, the direct costs incurred because of child maltreatment – for services including hospitalization, mental health care, and law enforcement – dwarf those spent on prevention by 400 to 1.
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1 gallon unconditional love 2 cupfuls community support 1 large sense of humor 3 cupfuls flexibility 1 pint each appreciation and affection 3 teaspoons pure extract of understanding Sweeten with generous portions of love and sharing. Serve with frequent hugs.
You can make a difference by supporting families in your commun ity. For more information, call 1-800-CH ILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusenc.o rg.
1 galón de amor incondicional 2 tazas de apoyo comunitario 1 gran sentido del humor 3 tazas de flexibilidad 1 pinta de agradecimiento y 1 pinta de cariño 3 cucharaditas de puro entendimiento Endulce con generosas porciones de amor y apoyo. Sirva con abrazos frecuentes.
Usted puede tener un impacto po sitivo apoyando a las familias en su comunidad. Para más información, llame al 1800-CHILDREN o visite nuestro sitio en el Web en : www.preventchildabusenc.org.
Use nonviolent methods of discipline like “time out.”
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Read a book on child development.
Form a babysitting co-op with other parents.
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Encourage your children to get to know their grandparents better.
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Visit our website www.prevent child abusenc.org.
Do something when you see abuse in public!
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Get to know your neighbors.
Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention agency.
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today.
Spend special time alone with your teenager
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Support parents you know – lend a helping hand when they need one.
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Find out how you can become an advocate for children.
Take a parenting class.
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“motor.”
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Teach your kids about 28 internet safety.
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Be a good role model.
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Display your child’s artwork or good grades on your refrigerator.
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Take your child to the park.
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Tell your child about your own childhood.
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Give your child a hug every day!
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en your kids talk to you.
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charity.
Encourage your children to donate old toys or clothes to
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Remember, we all have a role to play in protecting children and supporting families!
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Offer to baby-sit your neighbor’s kids.
Declare a TV free day and get your family outside.
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Wear a blue ribbon today!
Learn how, when, and what to report about suspected abuse.
Say the words “I love you” at least once a day.
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Ask for help if you need it! Raising kids is tough.
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Take time for yourself today. Relax and recharge your
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Read to your child.
Set aside special time to play with your children.
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Lea un libro sobre el desarrollo del niño.
Intercambie cuidado de niños con otros padres.
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Utilice los métodos pacíficos de disciplina como “haga una pausa de descanso”.
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Visite nuestro sitio en el Web en: www.preventchil dabusenc.org.
¡Actúe! Es la ley que todo ciudadano debe reportar la sospecha de abuso.
a sus vecinos.
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Trabaje como voluntario en una agencia local para prevención de abuso de los niños.
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Separe un tiempo especial para conversar con su adolescente hoy.
Déles apoyo a otros padres – proporcione ayuda cuando sea necesario.
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Averigue sobre cómo ser un defensor para niños.
Tome una clase para padres.
Anime a sus niños a conocer mejor sus abuelos.
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Enseñe a sus hijos acerca de la seguridad infantil en línea.
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Sirva de ejemplar positivo.
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Exhiba las buenas notas o dibujos de su niño en su nevera.
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Visite un parque.
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Hable con su hijo sobre su niñez.
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¡Abrace a su niño todos los días!
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Escuche atentamente a lo que su niño le está diciendo.
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Diga las palabras “Te amo” por lo menos una vez al día.
Anime a sus niños a donar la ropa vieja o juguetes viejos a una organización benéfica.
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¡Recuerde que la responsabilidad de proteger a los niños y apoyar a las familias es de todos nosotros!
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Ofrezca cuidar a los niños de su vecino.
Declare un día libre de televisión para pasar tiempo afuera con su familia.
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¡Lleve una cinta azul hoy!
Sepa por qué, cúando y cómo reportar los casos sospechados de abuso.
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¡Pida ayuda si sea necesario! Es difícil para criar a los niños.
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Tome tiempo para relajarse hoy. Relájase y “rejuvenézcase”.
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Lea a su niño.
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Separe un tiempo especial para jugar con sus niños.
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¡Lleve una cinta azul para demostrar su apoyo!
CELEBRE EN ABRIL DEL 2005 EL MES DE LA PREVENCIÓN DE ABUSO DE LOS NIÑOS
2 5 W AY S T O B E A
Everyday, you show your children in dozens of ways how you feel about them. Here are some new suggestions – from serious to silly – to show your kids how much you love them.
Help your child with their schoolwork.
Giggle together – share silly knock-knock jokes.
Bury a family time capsule and dig it up five years later.
Have a backward dinner – serve dessert first!
Look through your family photo albums together.
Ask your child to draw a portrait of your family and then frame it.
Schedule regular Family Meetings where everyone gets to share their opinion.
Start a once a season parent/child date night complete with dinner and a movie.
Give your child the gift of culture – take them to a museum, symphony, or play.
Start a collection together anything from coins to seashells will work.
Sit down at the table together to eat meals.
Give your child choices about what to wear, eat, do, etc.
Set realistic rules and expectations and make sure your child understands them.
Be a good role model.
Find time each day to talk one-on-one with your child.
Praise and encourage your child daily.
Give your children ageappropriate responsibilities.
Put a funny note in their lunch box.
Stick to your rules and be fair.
Be patient!
Let them know when you catch them being good.
Tell them how thankful you are they are your children.
Trust your child and let them know you respect them.
Hug your child every day.
Take family walks after dinner.
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2 5 M A N E R A S PA R A S E R U N PA D R E O M A D R E C A R I Ñ O S O / A Todos los días tiene muchas maneras para expresar sus sentimientos con respeto a sus niños. Aquí tiene algunas nuevas sugerencias para mostrarles a sus hijos cuánto los ama.
Ayude a su hijo con su tarea.
Pida a su hijo que dibuje un retrato de su familia y entonces exhíbalo.
Dé un paseo familiar después de la cena.
Fije una hora específica para conversar con su hijo.
¡Tenga paciencia!
Ríase tontamente juntos – comparte los chistes tontos y vea las películas divertidas.
Entierre una cápsula del tiempo familiar y desentíerrelo cinco años después.
Cenar al revés – ¡sirva postre primero!
Mire los álbumes de fotos familiares juntos.
Concerte las reuniones familiares regulares donde todos los familiares tienen la oportunidad de compartir su opinión.
Fije una noche especial para que usted y su hijo puedan disfrutar de una cena y película juntos una vez a la temporada.
Enriquezca la cultura de su niño – visite museos, sinfonía u obra de teatro.
Empiece una colección juntos tales como monedas o conchas.
Déle a su niño opciones acerca de lo que está llevando, comiendo o haciendo, etc.
Establezca reglas y expectativas razonables y asegúrese que su niño las entienda.
Sirva de ejemplar positivo.
Déle a su niño responsabilidade s que sean apropiadas para su edad.
Ponga una nota divertida en su lonchera.
Haga cumplir sus reglas consistentemente y sea justo.
Coma juntos en familia.
Alabe y alente a su niño todos los días.
Recompense los comportamientos buenos.
Dígale que está muy feliz que sea mi hijo.
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Tenga confianza en su hijo y asegúrese que su hijo sepa que usted le respeta.
Abrace a su hijo todos los días.
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FOR FAMILIES Be Polite
Be Interested and Attentive
> We learn about manners in kindergarten. Saying please softens our request and when following with a specific request for action, it can really get kids moving. Adding a “thank you” in closing with your request lets your child know you expect them to complete the job.
> Forget about the telephone and other distractions. Maintain eye contact to show the child that you are really concentrating on him. Encourage your child to talk by asking, “Tell me about your day at school.” Children are more likely to share their ideas and feelings when others think them important.
Communicate What You Expect
Hear Children Out
> Communicate to the child about the behavior you expect to see. Use simple words and phrases to help your child understand your expectations. Make sure your expectations are realistic for the age of your children. Also, let your child know what behavior they can expect from you.
> Avoid cutting children off before they have finished speaking. It may be difficult to listen respectfully and not correct them, but respect your children’s rights to have and express opinions. Be patient when younger children are speaking. Sometimes it takes them longer to find the right words to express their feelings.
The Power of Praise > When our children argue, we often step in to criticize or mediate, yet when they are sharing and taking turns, we do not say anything. We often miss good opportunities to reinforce their good behavior with positive words. By “catching them being good”, we can encourage them to repeat the behavior we desire. Do not reserve praise for something that has been accomplished. Especially with preschoolers, the fun is in the doing rather than completing ex: building with blocks rather than completing a structure. Encourage the child’s work and effort, whatever the result.
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Listen to Nonverbal Messages > Children may communicate nonverbally by the tone of their voice, their facial expressions, their energy level, their posture, or changes in their behavior patterns. When a child seems obviously upset, try to find a quiet time or place to encourage the child to tell you what is bothering him.
Pick Your Battles > Parenting is a 24-hour a day job. Before you open your mouth, take a minute and decide if this issue is worth a battle.
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COMUNICACIÓN POSITIVA PA R A FA M I L I A S Sea cortés
Esté interesado y atento
> Nosotros aprendemos sobre los modales en el jardín de infancia. Decir ‘por favor’ afirme lo que el niño tiene que hacer. Esto puede ayudar al niño a moverse hacia su meta. Añadir ‘gracias’ déjele saber a su niño que se espera terminar la tarea.
> Olvidarse del teléfono y otros distracciones. Mire directamente a los ojos de su niño para mostrar que se está concentrándo en él. Anime a su niño a hablar pregúntandole: “¿Cómo estuvo la escuela?” A muchos niños les gusta compartir sus ideas y sentimientos con otras personas que piensan que son importantes.
Comunique lo que espera > Comuníquele a su niño sobre el tipo de conducta que espera ver. Utilice las palabras sencillas y frases para ayudar a su niño a entender sus expectativas. Asegúrese que sus expectativas sean apropiadas para la edad de su niño. También asegúrese que su niño sepa el tipo de conducta para esperar de usted.
El poder de elogiar > Cuando nuestros niños están discutiendo, a menudo criticamos o actuamos de mediador. Sin embargo, cuando ellos están compartiendo y trabajando juntos, no decimos nada. A menudo perdimos la oportunidad de recompensar su buena conducta con las palabras positivas. Cuando “demuestren la conducta positiva”, podemos animarlos a repetir la conducta que deseamos. Alabe a su niño aunque la tarea no haya sido terminada. Esto es especialmente verdad con los niños de edad preescolar. Es divertido para hacer una tarea en vez de terminar una tarea pej: jugar con los bloques en vez de construir una estructura. Anime a su niño por su trabajo y esfuerzo.
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Escuche atentamente lo que los niños le están diciendo > Permita que sus niños terminen su conversación antes de hablar. Puede ser difícil para escuchar respetuosamente y no corregirlos. Sin embargo, debe respetar los derechos de sus niños para expresar sus opiniones. Tenga paciencia cuando los niños menores estén hablando. A veces tarda un rato para encontrar las palabras correctas para que expresen sus sentimientos.
Escuche los mensajes no verbales > Los niños pueden comunicarse no verbalmente por medio del tono de su voz, sus expresiones faciales, su nivel de energía, su postura o cambios de sus patrones de conducta. Cuando un niño esté enojado, trate de encontrar un lugar tranquilo para animar al niño a decirle lo que está molestándole.
Escoja sus luchas > Para ser padre o madre es un trabajo de 24 horas al día. Antes que abra su boca, tome un minuto para decidir si este asunto vale la pena molestarse.
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While most parents know the importance of placing their children in car seats, research shows that 80% of children are not properly secured in their car seat. The most common mistakes are placing children in seats that are not appropriate for their age and not properly securing the car seat in the vehicle.
Car Seat Guidelines > All car seats should be placed in the back seat. > Infants should always be placed in a rear-facing infant or convertible car seat. > Infants should stay rear facing until they reach one year of age AND 20 pounds. > Once your child is at least one year of age and 20 pounds, their car seat can be turned forward facing. > When your child’s weight exceeds 40 pounds, they should be placed in a belt positioning booster seat. > North Carolina law states that children must remain in booster seats until they reach eight years of age or 80 pounds. > When your child is large enough and old enough to sit in the regular seat, make sure the seat belt shoulder strap fits across their shoulder and not their neck. Also, make sure the lap belt fits across the child’s hips and not their stomach. > Children under 12 years of age should remain in the back seat at all times, especially if you have air bags in your car.
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Other Car Safety Tips > Make it a policy to never set your car keys inside the vehicle once the child is seated inside. It is all too easy to shut the back door without realizing that the car doors are locked. > Children should never be left alone in a car, even for a few minutes. You child could be injured, hurt, or even stolen. > Do not let your children play with automatic locks or window controls. > If toys or items are carried in the vehicle, make sure they are properly restrained to keep them from moving around the vehicle. > Never take a child out of their car seat while the vehicle is in motion. If you need to tend to your child, find a safe place to park the car out of the path of traffic.
Car Seat Safety Check List Once you have the proper car seat, it is easy to make mistakes by not properly securing the seat or your child. ❏ Do the harness straps fit your child snugly and in the correct position? ❏ Is the chest harness clip in the right position? ❏ Is the seat belt securing the seat in the vehicle properly locked and fitted tightly? ❏ Is the seat belt securing the seat in the vehicle threaded through the seat correctly? ❏ Is the seat in the path of an airbag? ❏ Have you fully read and understood the usage instructions that came with your child’s car seat?
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A P R I L 2 0 0 5 C H I L D A B U S E P R E V E N T I O N C A M PA I G N
ASIENTOS DE SEGURIDAD PA R A N I Ñ O S Mientras la mayoría de los padres sabe la importancia de colocar sus niños en los asientos de seguridad, los estudios demuestran que el 80% de los niños no están asegurados apropiadamente en su asiento de seguridad. La mayoría de los errores comunes son: los asientos no son apropiados para la edad del niño y no están asegurados apropiadamente en el vehículo.
Pautas para el asiento de seguridad > Todos los asientos de seguridad deben estar colocados en el asiento trasero. > Los bebés siempre deben estar colocados en un asiento de seguridad mirando hacia atrás o en un asiento convertible. > Los bebés deben viajar en un asiento de seguridad mirando hacia atrás hasta que tengan un año y pesen 20 libras. > Un niño que pese 20 libras y tenga un año de edad, puede sentarse mirando hacia adelante. > Cuando su niño pese más de 40 libras, debe estar colocado en un asiento elevado. > La ley de Carolina del Norte requiere que los niños deban viajar en los asientos elevados hasta que tengan ocho años de edad o pesen 80 libras. > Cuando su niño crezca lo suficiente como para sentarse en un asiento normal, asegúrese que la correa para el hombro esté sujetada sobre el hombro del niño y no sobre el cuello. También asegúrese que la correa para la cintura esté sujetada sobre la cadera del niño y no sobre su estómago. > Los niños menores de 12 años deben viajar en los asientos traseros, especialmente si tiene un vehículo equipado con bolsas de aire.
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Otras Medidas de Seguridad > Nunca deje sus llaves en el carro mientras su niño se sienta en el carro. Es fácil para cerrar la puerta trasera sin tomar en cuenta que las puertas de carro están cerrados con llave. > Nunca deje ningún niño solo en el carro. Su niño puede ser lastimado o secuestrado. > No permita que los niños jueguen con los cierres eléctricos de seguridad y las ventanas eléctricas. > Si guarda los juguetes u otros artículos en su vehículo, asegúrese que estén sujetados apropiadamente para que no se muevan en el vehículo. > Nunca saque al niño de su asiento de seguridad mientras el vehículo se mueve. Si necesita cuidar a su niño, encuentre un lugar seguro para estacionar su carro fuera del tráfico.
Chequeo de los Asientos de Seguridad Cuando usted tiene el asiento apropiado, es fácil para hacer errores con respeto a la instalación del asiento de seguridad. Tome un momento; revise y esté seguro … ❏ ¿Está bien ajustada la correa; se queda fija sobre los hombros del niño? ❏ ¿Está bien ajustada la correa; se queda fija sobre las caderas del niño? ❏ ¿Está la correa del asiento para automóvil en el lugar indicado y bien ajustada? ❏ ¿Está el cinturón de seguridad en el lugar indicado y bien ajustado? ❏ ¿Hay bolsa de aire enfrente del asiento? ❏ ¿Ha leido y entendido completamente las instrucciones que vienen con el asiento de seguridad?
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