April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Watch for the blue pinwheel as a symbol of hope throughout the month of April.
All parents want their children to grow up feeling safe, strong, and free. Parenting is hard. It takes practice. Communication is an important tool parents have to make sure their children are protected. Listening to children and talking honestly with them is a good way to practice prevention skills. Parenting practices that support children’s healthy development include:
- Responding in predictable ways to children's behavior
- Modeling warmth and sensitivity
- Keeping routines and household rules consistent
- Reading books and talking openly with children
- Supporting children's growth and safety with attendance at well child medical appointments and through the use of child safety devices
- Using age-appropriate healthy discipline
For more information, please visit:
If you are concerned that a child is being abused or neglected, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.
More information is available from the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital Child Protection Program with support from the Johnson County Community Partnership for Protecting Children.
