Counseling Corner

April was Prevent Child Abuse month. Physical abuse is only one type of abuse. In the next few weeks there will be some coloring books available for children, if you would like to take one for your child and would like to discuss it with your child. They talk about Safe and Unsafe touching for the little ones and for third and fourth graders information about who to go to and things they can say. They will be located with the Care Notes.

When I was growing up, we were taught not to talk to strangers. In this day and age it is a sad fact that most predators are known to the children. I'm sure many of you have seen to Catch a Predator on NBC. This is just the tip of iceberg. We can all help protect our children. If you suspect that a child is being abused in anyway, mentally, physically or emotionally, ask the Lord to give you the courage to report it.

You can call your local Division of Family services anonymously. Contrary to popular belief, it is my experience that they do follow up. Again, I stress that all calls are confidential. You don't have to give your name. DYFS will not be able to tell you any information after the fact.

Next month I will give more information about child abuse and helping parents to cope with raising children in this world today.

Donna Ridge