| A child is the most precious gift that you will ever | | | | these kids, more often than not, will obey their |
| receive. There is nothing in the world like having a | | | | parents, even if their obedience constantly harms |
| tiny version of yourself. I learned this right after my | | | | them. For this reason, it is up to us to educate our |
| daughter came into the world. It shocked me how | | | | children and community about child abuse. A benefit |
| similar we appeared. While, on some levels, this may | | | | of today's society is that the schools are providing |
| be a little self-indulgent, mostly it's just about caring | | | | education about this important topic. At times, what |
| for and loving someone else even more that you do | | | | a teacher says is all that they possess. When their |
| yourself. And what would you say about parents | | | | parents are bad people, who is a child supposed to |
| who take a different road? There are those who are | | | | trust? |
| not physically able to bear children and provide them | | | | A great book to read regarding violence, assault, and |
| with appropriate care. Clearly, people like this do exist. | | | | child abuse is "Protecting the Gift." Author Gavin De |
| Without such people, we wouldn't have to worry | | | | Becker elaborates on all sorts of violence, potential |
| about child abuse. | | | | violence, threats, body language, and all-round |
| I frequently wonder how we can work to protect | | | | survival. The writer instructs the reader to trust their |
| children from abuse, not only our own children, but | | | | instincts and never make excuses or overlook it. Our |
| also the children all around the world who are not so | | | | natural born tools and senses are more important to |
| lucky. Do you know the signs that indicate child | | | | our survival than many realize. We need to accept |
| abuse? Would you recognize an abused child if you | | | | this and use these for our benefit. If you think you |
| encountered one at your child's school or at a group | | | | know someone who suffers from child abuse, |
| function? This is not an easy question to answer. | | | | investigate further or contact the authorities. You |
| Honestly most abusers will find ways to conceal the | | | | should be thorough now rather than have regrets |
| damage they have done to the person they are | | | | down the road. In fact, when children are involved, |
| abusing. They may whisper their threats or dress | | | | it's your responsibility to find out what is going on. |
| their children in clothes that conceal their wounds. | | | | We have to protect those who can't protect |
| It is very simple for parents to influence children, and | | | | themselves. |