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Talk
with your child—It seems obvious, but honest communication
is crucial. Talking to your child, even to a baby, will help
you both learn to talk openly about any situation. |
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Be
a good listener—Listen to what your child is saying. It’s
important that your child be able to ask you questions. Children
are curious—questions about drugs or sex do not mean they are
doing those things. |
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State
your expectations—Your children look up to you. Clearly
state your expectations and values—especially about difficult
topics like drugs, sex, smoking, and dating. This will encourage
them to come to you if they have questions or need support.
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| Get
help if you need it—Parenting is a rewarding experience,
but it is not always easy. Sometimes you may need support from
others. By connecting with friends or family members in your
community, you can get support when times are tough (Chalk and
King 1998). You can also be a resource for others. Making contact
with other moms and dads is a great way to share helpful stories
and learn tips. Take action if you need help: |
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Rely on family,
friends, coworkers, and others for support—Talk to them
about any problem or stress. |
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Ask for a break—Breaks
are essential, especially when you’re frustrated. You can repay
the favor by giving other parents a needed break when they face
similar circumstances. |
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Call a HOTLINE—When
you have nowhere else to turn, call STOP
IT NOW! 1-888-PREVENT (773-8368) or
Childhelp USA® 1-800-4-A-CHILD. |
 Be
a supervisor—Although you can’t always see it, children
are constantly growing and developing. For healthy growth, children
need supervision and care. By caring for your children, you
can prevent injuries such as bruises and fractures. You can
also prevent child abuse and neglect, a serious setback that
can lead to poor relationships, violence, self harm, and reduced
thinking ability in adulthood. You can care for your children
in many ways: |
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| √ |
Monitor
your children—Know their whereabouts and activities. When
they’re at home, keep an eye on them to help prevent injuries.
When they go out, ask questions: Where are you going? Who will
be there? What will you do? |
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Make
safety a priority—Protect your children from injury
by making sure they use bike helmets, seat belts, car seats,
and other safety equipment. |
| √ |
Protect
your children from violence—Help them avoid violent peers;
violent TV programs, computer and video games, or music; and
keep violence out of your own relationships. If your children
see violence, talk with them about what they saw. |
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Remember…all
parents have problems from time to time. Good parenting is a
skill that takes time, commitment, and support. By caring and
nurturing, parents can teach children and other parents strategies
to give our children a safer and more healthful environment.
For more information on childhood injury prevention, visit Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury
Prevention and Control website at
http://www.cdc.gov/injury.
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