| I'm not sure if you have kids, but I have three of my | | | | asking "why?" The child is smaller then you, less |
| own (one older boy and twin girls) and love them | | | | educated (although you can't be really smart if you |
| beyond anything, including my own life. I want to | | | | abuse), cannot communicate well (express their hurt), |
| make sure you understand the importance of child | | | | and most likely your own flesh and blood. Please ask |
| abuse and what it does to the child as they grow up | | | | yourself the question and fill in the blank "why do I |
| (if they get there). I want to set a clear picture in | | | | get angry when ______?" Before reacting, write |
| your mind so that you never forget it. I want to | | | | down what you should do when that situation arises |
| draw a fictitious barrier around your anger and | | | | and what you shouldn't do (like hit or yell). Then, |
| reactions. | | | | think of the list when the child (your child) acts up. |
| First, make everyone in the room disappear from | | | | And keep in mind...they are only children. Maybe take |
| wherever you are. Now that you are alone, think | | | | the time to watch that video again, it will surely calm |
| about your children (or children you are close to, like | | | | you down...and perhaps save you from a life in jail |
| nephews and nieces), the happy times you have with | | | | sentence. |
| them, think about friends that have kids and how | | | | Now let talk about the "stand-by" person! A stand-by |
| they get along. Think about when you were young | | | | person is someone that knows or suspects |
| and the good times you had with your family. | | | | something is wrong, but too afraid to stand-up and |
| Now that you have thought about this, I think you | | | | say something. They are afraid to help. They are |
| agree with me that child abuse in any way, shape, or | | | | afraid to defend the weak. They are part of the |
| form is unacceptable and...WILL NOT BE | | | | equation to a result of chaos. To you people, I say |
| TOLERATED! If you are the abused and are able to | | | | have the courage to react! Confront the abusers and |
| communicate...then reach out and tell someone! There | | | | express your concerns. Be brave for the weak! You |
| are many help lines in every area. You can also tell | | | | might save a life! Is it better to save a life or lose a |
| someone you trust, a friend or relative, and if you're | | | | friend? |
| out of options...email everyone on your contact list | | | | Let me finish by saying to everyone (stand-by, |
| (make sure to include me) and explain your situation. | | | | abusers, and abused alike) that the cycle MUST stop. |
| You will reach someone that will listen and help! | | | | We must make a difference...everyone! Together, |
| For those that are too young to speak up or reach | | | | let's stop the violence! |
| out...then I will address the abusers. Let me start by | | | | |