Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month. There is a poem that the Colorado County Child’s Protective Service Board presents to mothers of newborn babies in this county. It contains strong guidelines to help parents to encourage their children to love, obey, and to develop important life skills. By learning to respect others, becoming obedient, and forming lasting relationships with others, their lives can be much more meaningful and happy. Here is the poem:

Children Learn What They Live If a child lives with criticism, He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, He learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, He learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, He learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, He learns justice. If a child lives with security, He learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, He learns to like himself.

As an organization, the Child Protective Service Board meets regularly to discuss problems or needs for foster children from the county. If needed, the board supplies necessary clothes, band instruments, summer camp expenses, birthday and Christmas gifts, donations toward family Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, adoption and others fees, and any others miscellaneous needs.

The board said parents have an enormous responsibility to love, nurture, and guide young children through their childhood by being good examples and living by God’s rules. He loves everyone.

If you recognize child abuse or neglect, call the following number 1-800-252-5400.