Throughout my early childhood my parents rarely left my side for more than 10 minutes. They kissed away every "boo-boo", made sure I was never cold or hungry, and encouraged my developing imagination. What I took for granted that made me the person I am today, is something that thousands of kids each year don't have.
In 2007, the United States Department of Health and Human Services estimated about 794,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect. That the same year approximately 1,760 children ended up dead as a result of child abuse and neglect. What's more is that many abuse and neglect cases are never reported, and many child fatalities are not detailed as resulting from abuse or neglect.
In some cases, maltreatment can be thought of as a cycle. Adults who were abused or neglected as children are likely to become parents who repeat such actions towards there own children. Another factor with a high correlation to abuse and neglect is poverty. Sometimes the parents are not financially able to support their children, making the neglect unintentional. A final key factor related to abuse and neglect is substance abuse. Many cases of neglect and abuse involved primary caregivers who abused drugs and alcohol.
Child abuse and neglect has a strong negative impact on the child's development. It affects their performance in school, their self-esteem and self- confidence, and their ability to form friendships and future relationships.
I'm sure that most, if not all of us, grew up in non-abusive households. How often do you take this for granted? What are your feelings on child maltreatment?
Below are two articles on child maltreatment.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,280635,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Nov26/0,4670,BrainInjuredGirl,00.html
I believe that I absolutley took my caring parents for granted. I would feel safe in saying that almost all children do, simply because they do not know any better. As I grew up I began to realize and appreciate all my parents did for me. When I was much younger I didn't give any thought to the function of my parents or how I was blessed to have them. There were also times when I was a "pre-teen" where I am embarassed to admit that I despised them and wished I didn't have them. Through witnessing kids who did not have parents or neglective parents, I have developed a sincere admiration, appreciation, and respect for my parents. I used to slightly resent my parents because they were divorced and it made it difficult on me sometimes. Now I accept and even like the fact that my family is different and functional.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of child maltreatment, it is a topic that makes me sick to my stomach. I think children are the most vulnerable and innocent members of society. The thought of some one abusing a child is horrific. I used to be a nanny and realize that dealing with children can be extremely frustrating. I could never imagine hitting a child. I have been angry and raised my voice unecessarily, and then regreted it. If you have children and are not a fit parent, I think you have to be completley self-less and just think of what is best for the child.
It is ridiculous that parents could ever possibly think about abusing their children. You hear about it every once in a while but it is always staggering when something like this is put into such a high number. Fortunately, I also came from a loving and supportive family. But I also think that sometimes that adds to how I take for granted parental support. It is always surprising to me that some parents are not as good to their children.
ReplyDeleteIt does not surprise me one bit that the two leading factors to child abuse are drug abuse and the idea of continuing the vicious cycle. But that does not make it right. It is up to parents to take responsibility for changing the way they rear their children as opposed to how they were raised. Sometimes it seems that we don't know what an important role parental figures play in their children's life.
I, without a doubt, have taken my parents for granted. They have always treated me how parents should treat their children. They have never been physically or mentally abusive. They rarely ever yell at me. My parents always encourage me to do whatever I want to do. They also, always complement me about everything.
ReplyDeleteBecause I have never have been around abuse, I don't really see child abuse, which leads to me taking my parents for granted even more.
I just hate the fact that children are abuse, I could never imagine myself ever hitting a child. Or talking to the child down from their hopes and dreams. Sometimes I do think parents should have to take a test in order to have a child.
I know for a fact that I take my caring parents for granted. In no way did they ever neglect me. In fact, the rarely took their eyes off of me. They caused me no harm and made sure no one else ever did. My parents' words were never discouraging or hurtful and always brought feelings of happiness and inspiration to mind. I did not undertand how lucky I was to have parents who recognized their roles as providers and did their best to give me everything I needed to survive.
ReplyDeleteChild abuse is very sad. I hate hearing about a child being hurt verbally or physically by a parent or other adult. It is wrong to use size or age as a weapon against something so harmless and innocent as a child. I feel that many people who are parents don't deserve the privilege of raising a child. Some just aren't mature or stable enough to take care of another living breathing human being.