Preventing abuse starts with your own family.

Are You a Nurturing Parent? Take an honest look at yourself and your relationship with your child.

• Do you hit your child or use other physical discipline?
• Do you find yourself yelling at your child a lot?
• Are you worried that you might hurt your child?

If so, take steps to improve your relationship with your child.

Help Your Child Feel Loved and Secure

• Make sure your child knows you love him or her, even when he or she did something wrong.
• Encourage your child instead of criticizing. Praise his or her achievements and talents.
• Spend time with your child. Do things together that you both enjoy.

Learn to Manage Your Anger. Every parent gets angry sometimes. But instead of lashing out at your child:

• Think about why you’re really angry. Is it really something your child did?
• Try to calm down. Take deep breaths or count to 10.
• Call a friend to talk.
• If someone can watch your child, go outside and take a walk.

Seek Help if You Need It. If things seem out of control or you are worried that you may hurt your child:

• Talk to Someone. Tell a friend, health-care provider or a leader in your faith community about your concerns. Or, join a self-help group for parents, such as Circle of Parents.
• Get Counseling. Individual or family counseling can help you learn healthy ways to communicate with each other. Learn more about the services offered at Human Service Centers in your community.
• Take a Parenting Class. This can help you learn positive ways to communicate with your child. Parenting classes and support groups are offered in communities throughout North Dakota. Visit Programs to learn more about groups offered in your community.

Protect Your Child 

Teach Your Child Self-Protection Skills

• Make sure your child knows how to stay safe in public places.
• Teach your child about “good touches” and “bad touches.”
• Tell your child to say no, get away, and tell you right away if anyone tries to touch or hurt him or her.
• Abusers often tell their victims to keep it a “secret.” Make sure your child understands that it’s OK to tell these kinds of “secrets.”

Be Alert to Signs of Abuse. If your child tells you about being abused or you see other warning signs:

• Assure your child that he or she did nothing wrong and that you believe him or her.
• Take steps to protect your child from the suspected abuser.
• Get medical attention for your child.
• Report the abuse to the county social services office or police.
• Seek counseling for your child.

Source: You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse, Prevent Child Abuse America Publications.