Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Psalms 127:3 declares, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”  God places a high value on children.  They are a gift from God.  They are precious.  Jesus informs us that we must have a child-like faith if we want to enter the Kingdom of God.  He welcomed children and became outraged when His disciples were rebuking children for coming to Jesus (Mark 10:13-15).  

​Even though children are a precious gift, parenting is not easy.  As parents, we tend to want our children to be mini-adults.  There are concepts, behavior, and attitudes that we just expect them to get because they are our children.  The frustration of a toddler’s defiance, a child’s disobedience or a teen’s attitude can stir up feelings of anger within parents.  Add to that work stress, relationship tensions, and feeling stretched to your limit, and you have an environment that is primed for a less than loving response to your child.  

We can help end child abuse by committing to love our children as our heavenly Father loves us.  God is mindful of the fragility of our humanity.  He knows that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).  We must see our children, not as mini-adults, but as fragile vessels from God, entrusted to us to care for, love, protect, and prepare for service to God.  How we treat our children will heavily influence how they see God.  

Additionally, experienced Christian parents can be a resource and mentors for young parents.  Build relationships with younger parents and be a source of encouragement to them.  Do for young parents what others did for you or do what you wish someone would have done for you when you were a new parent. Just knowing that someone cares and is there to walk with a young parent can make an enormous impact on the life of a young family.  
 
Call 1-800-4 A CHILD to report child abuse.