Parenting Tips and Tools

Preventing Abuse—
It’s Everyone’s Job

Child abuse affects all of us. In fact, many abused children grow up to be abusive parents themselves. You can help by getting involved in preventing abuse before it occurs. How?

Review the information on this website--start with Prevention Tips for All of Us. Then take action in your own home or volunteer in your community.
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Spend Quality Time with Your Kids

Schedule time with your children. For example, have one television-free night just to talk about what they’re doing. Establish a routine, such as reading part of a story each night or setting time aside to do homework. Put some fun in your life by teaching your children a new skill like baking or sewing.
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Act Now

As a parent, there are things you can do to help prevent abuse. Offer to take care of a friend, neighbor or relative’s children for a night. Take time out for yourself, too. First and foremost, get involved—take action today. Download Ten Ways to Prevent Child Abuse as a good starting point to being a better parent.

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Lashing Out at Your Child—
Don’t let it happen

When pressure builds up and you want to yell, shout or punish your child, take a few simple and safe steps. Press your lips together and count to 10, take a deep breath, put your child in a time-out chair or put yourself in one, turn on some music. Read more: Twelve Alternatives to Lashing Out at Your Child

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Crying Babies—
Don’t let it stress you out

You can get an understanding of why babies cry and ways to calm them. Remember, ALL babies cry, some a lot, but crying won’t hurt them. Comfort your baby by holding it against your chest. Most important, NEVER, NEVER SHAKE A BABY.

If the crying is getting to you, call 911 or the parent hotline 1-800-FLA-LOVE (1-800-352-5683). Take a moment right now, and review Coping with Crying for tips on handling your frustration, calming your baby and more.

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Child Safety

Leaving Your Child Home Alone

There are a few questions to ask before taking this step for you and your child. From the child’s point of view, are they able to take care of themselves? Are they comfortable with the idea of being home alone? Is your neighborhood safe, and does your child know what to do in an emergency?
As a parent, you should have a trial period with established rules. Also, call your child or have someone else check on them. Don’t overdo it by letting them stay alone too much. Check into programs offered by schools, community centers, churches, etc. Most importantly, educate yourself by reading this informative fact sheet: Leaving Your Child Home Alone

Water Safety—Preventing Drowning

Remember, swimming lessons don’t prevent drowning, and all children should be supervised when in a pool. Check the pool first if a child is missing—drownings happen in a matter of seconds. In addition, there are many safety measures to take, such as fences, gates, door alarms or safety covers. The Swimming Pool Safety Alert will give you very good information on this subject.

Safe Sleeping for Babies

If your baby is under 12 months old, you can help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), suffocation and strangulation by placing your baby on their back and removing soft bedding from the crib. Inspect your baby’s crib to be sure there is no missing or broken hardware. Also check that slats are no more than 2-3/8” apart, no corner posts over 1/16” high, no cutout designs in the head or foot board and a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Get Crib Safety Tips.

Community Support Services for Parents

The Florida Department of Children and Families has more to help you.

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Report Child Abuse

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Remember if you even think abuse is taking place, file a report at 1-800-96ABUSE
(1-800-962-2873).

You will be asked to describe your concerns, but you don’t have to give your name. If possible, give the child’s name, age, address, gender, school attended and parents’ names.

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