Recognizing Child Abuse
From LoveToKnow Baby
Merely the concept of child abuse causes shivers to run down every parent’s spine. No greater nightmare exists than to imagine a child abuse situation in regards to our own children. Unfortunately in today’s complicated world, the abuse of children occurs more often than anyone would prefer and is not always obvious to parents. Therefore as protectors of our children, we must become familiar with recognizing child abuse signs.
Recognizing Child Abuse Signs in Children
Sleep Disturbances – Insomnia, nightmares or obsessive sleeping are all potential problems.
Sudden Change in Behavior Toward Caregiver – Negative reactions to caregiver from fear to anger.
Aggressiveness in a Typically Mild-mannered Child – Behavior may manifest into how the child plays with his toys or interactions with others.
Child Becomes Withdrawn Particularly Around Adults – Children may exhibit fear of closed spaces, being in crowds or being left alone with strange adults.
Dramatic Personality Changes After Time Spent with Caregiver – Overly clingy or simply indifferent, any consistently unusual behavior after a day at childcare should be noted.
Overly Dependent on a Comfort Object – A child who suddenly begins to suck their thumb or carries a blanket all day.
Unexplained Marks on Body With Strange Explanations – Particularly bruises that are in the shape of hands or other objects on unusual parts of the body like the genitals or back.
Afraid to be Touched or Seen Naked – Of particular importance for younger children who have not become shy or reserved about their body appearance.
Sexual Awareness and Language Beyond their Years – Does your toddler blurt out inappropriate sexual words or a school age child who knows more than they should about sexual relations?
Sudden Bed Wetting – Enuresis in a child who was not wetting the bed previously.
Recognizing Child Abuse Signs in Caregivers
Caregiver Appears Irritable – Does she appear to be on edge, especially around the children in her care on a consistent basis?
Caregiver Discourages Unannounced Visits – Major red flag in the child care industry. All caregivers are aware that they must allow you to drop by anytime.
When Early for Pickup, Caregiver Refuses to Let You See Child Immediately – Similar to an unannounced visit, never allow a caregiver to avoid connecting you with your child the moment you arrive for pickup.
Caregiver Rarely Answers the Phone – Discuss this with the caregiver; explain she must be available by phone most of the day.
Children Routinely Appear Upset – Observe other children in the care facility, how they behave and how they are treated.
Caregiver’s Household or Center is Disorganized – Occasional clutter of toys with children is normal, but for the place to be completely in a state of upheaval continuously might be a sign of a problem.
Dramatic Decline in Quality of Care – Did the caregiver in the past feed the kids healthy cooked meals but is now giving them bags of chips for lunch? Or maybe the baby’s diaper is constantly wet upon your arrival with a rash that continues to worsen?
How to Rate a Potential Child Abuse Situation
Be on the watch for the above signs, particularly if many of them are present. Talk with other parents or neighbors of the caregiver. Address the caregiver directly, and evaluate her reaction. Check your own feelings, do you worry about your child while at work? Trust your intuition and do not simply push strong feelings aside as normal parental worry. Concern that your child might be emotional when separated from you is normal; worrying constantly for his safety is not.
Drop in unexpectedly and demand to see your child. What state is the environment and children in? Remove your child immediately from a childcare situation that appears to be uncomfortable or unsafe. Make no delay and deal with finding a new childcare plan later after you are completely sure your child is unharmed.
If you truly suspect abuse, notify child protection services and the local police. Take your child to a doctor for a complete physical and make an appointment with a counselor. Communicate with your child, either through love and hugs for an infant or talking with an older toddler or child. Believe what they tell you, and listen with your heart.
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