How Childcare Providers Can Identify Child Abuse

The task of taking care of children all day is enormous. Childcare providers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all of their students while in their care. When a childcare worker suspects that a child is being abused or neglected at home, she is often unsure of what to do. Without proper evidence, she may be hesitant to report the family to social services. As a mandatory reporter, required by law to report suspicions of abuse or neglect, daycare providers must be aware of the signs of child abuse.

Some children may spend ten to twelve hours a day with their daycare provider. Often, a strong bond forms between them as she feeds, teaches, and nurtures the young child throughout the day. She may be one of the first people to notice any changes in a child's demeanor or behavior. It is important for childcare providers to know the signs of child abuse and neglect so that they can alert proper authorities if they believe it is necessary.

Some of the signs of abuse that childcare workers may notice is the child has difficulty paying attention during the day. He may seem preoccupied and lack an adequate attention span. If he is suddenly withdrawn or anti-social the childcare worker may talk with him to see if he will open up to her and talk about what is going on. Often abused children may revert to babyish habits like wetting himself or sucking his thumb. He may not want to go home and seem upset at the end of the day when his parents arrive.

An abusive parent may show signs of misconduct at home as well. A parent who seems distant or unconcerned with their child's welfare may be of concern. Parents who request harsh physical discipline or are aggressive with their children should be watched carefully. Often, abusive parents will seem bothered by the children and rarely happy with their achievements. They tend to have a negative attitude about their child and have very high expectations that their child will never be able to attain at their young age.

While the presence of one sign of abuse is not evidence of abuse within a family, the combination of some of these indicators may warrant further investigation. Once a report is filed, a representative from Child Protective Services will visit the family to determine if there is an issue that needs to be looked into. Once turned over to the state agency, the social worker will continue the investigation and gather evidence.

Childcare professionals are often an integral part of a family's support system. She should offer advice and resources to families that may be struggling. Nurturing a relationship with the whole family can often help childcare providers get help for struggling families before an incident of child abuse occurs.

If you are a childcare provider or own a daycare, nursery school, or preschool, be sure that your employees are trained to identify the signs of child abuse. Protecting children is everyone's responsibility. Empowering our childcare providers is essential to keeping all children safe and repairing broken families.

Parenting Tips - How to Keep an Open Mind With Your Teenager

Parenting teenagers is extremely hard-work, that's why learning how to keep an open mind with your teenager is so important. Most parents have failed miserably at meeting their teenagers in the middle. Just because Facebook, MySpace, and sex bracelets didn't exist when you were growing up, doesn't give you a hall pass. It's clear that lots of parents are suffering from generational and technological gaps; still effective face-to-face communication is the key to being a better parent.

Remember not to yell, teenagers hate it when a parent yells and then realizes it (feels bad), is nice for the next ten or fifteen minutes and then starts yelling again.

I just gave you a straightforward example of ineffective communication; it even confused me for a second! STOP sending mixed messages to your children! Teenagers growing up in what's now being called the YouTube generation have already been exposed to issues older parents just cannot relate too. I strongly suggest that you level the playing field and learn how to speak their language - speak teenager. This basically means developing a unique parenting style that enables you to hear what they are saying.

Parenting Tips - How to Keep an Open Mind With Your Teenager

In my opinion this is hands-down the biggest mistake that parents make when trying to discipline a teenager. Never ever compare your childhood experiences. Saying things like, "Why can't you be more like I was when I was your age?" Allow your teenager some space to make his or her own mistakes - they have a lot to deal with such as living above the influence, sex/std, dating, prom, college, and let's no forget the gossip.

If your teen does something wrong, speak your peace, dish out the punishment, and move on. Most of the time s/he knows s/he is wrong, and wants to admit it. There is no sense of going on and on about what your teenager did wrong - it'll only flare up into a bigger argument.

Make some time for your baby. You probably have no idea what your teen is like outside the house. Learn to listen, the teenage years is when a child discovers life for him/herself and that's never easy.

Always be there. Drop everything you are doing and try to help. Teens like to know they have parents that care.

Remember that you're not perfect. Stop thinking you are! Although, you may be right sometimes; you're not ALWAYS right. Try giving your teenager some credit s/he maybe living through issues you are aware of.

That's why double standards make your teenager so angry, the whole "do as I say and not as I do" is enough to drive anybody insane. Yes, it's true that most parents have uttered the phrase "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out". Kids really hate that line, plus it has worn out its welcome! In other words, unless you're planning an extended vacation in prison, quit using those one-liners, you can be a little more creative than that right?