April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

By SHERRI MEYER, Western Kentucky University Child Care Resource & Referral
For the Daily Times

April 04, 2008 07:30 pm

— Did you know that the blue ribbons hanging on utility poles, displayed in storefronts and also worn on clothing are to help bring attention to child abuse prevention? The movement began in the spring of 1989 when a grandmother took a stand against child abuse after the death of her grandson.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) happens when a baby is shaken violently. The shaking can cause irreversible brain damage to a young child’s brain. Shaken Baby Syndrome leads many to think that this only affects babies, however it also affects children up to age 5. Some young children who have been violently shaken may experience skull fractures, brain damage, eye trauma, broken bones and even death. Children who survive SBS may experience long-term effects such as blindness, learning disabilities, speech problems, hearing loss, cerebral palsy and paralysis.
Sound scary? It is. But it can be prevented. Anyone who takes care of a young child is at risk of shaking them. This includes parents, early care and education professionals, family members and others.
A crying baby or young child can make adults feel frustrated. Babies cry when they are hungry, need diaper changing, feel pain, become too hot or cold or when they need attention. Whatever the reason — it is your responsibility as the caregiver to figure out what needs the child has and address them quickly.
Tips to console a crying baby:
- Check for any signs of illness
- Change the diaper
- Feed baby and burp often
- Console baby by holding him in different positions
- Sing to or rock the baby
- Go for a car ride
If caregivers feel frustrated, the baby picks up on that feeling. Relax and breathe deeply. Talk to baby in a soft and comforting voice. If baby doesn’t respond to comfort measures and you feel that you are overly frustrated, pick up the phone and talk to a friend. If needed, ask the friend to come give you a break.
No matter how frustrated you might become, never, never shake a child. For more information on Shaken Baby Syndrome, visit Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky at http://pcak.net or call the Child Care Resource & Referral at (800) 621-5908.
Visit www.babynetky.com