Children are the future of a nation and the guardians of the wisdom and wealth of the old that is passed on from one generation to another. A society that wisely invests its time and effort in children will get the payback in the form of productive, upright and responsible citizens. The reality of life is usually very different from the national policies that are made to address hot issues. For instance, not all children get equal treatment or opportunities to excel in life. The future can turn out be very bleak for kids who experience child abuse and neglect in terms of becoming successful. In a bid to provide all children with the same kind of privileges, April has been declared as the Child Abuse Prevention Month by the US government and the program is still going strong.

What is Child Abuse Prevention Month?

The US president issues a proclamation to announce national child prevention month each year in April. In addition, many state governors also issue proclamations to make the public aware about the problems associated with child abuse/neglect.

During this month, the importance of families and communities in curbing child abuse is stressed. Community members work hard to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families alike. Furthermore, community members are encouraged to devise new strategies and come up with working solutions to keep child abuse in check all year round.

How to eradicate abuse?

Child abuse prevention methods can come in different forms, but the most effective method to eradicate this evil is to stick to the basics of human interaction. Here’s what different sections of society can do to keep the future generation out of harm’s way.

Family front

• Teach your kids about their culture and heritage. This simple measure from your side would keep the kids connected with the past while having a firm footing in the present times.
• Engage your children in mutual activities on a daily basis. It can be anything as long as the kids show enthusiasm and involvement in play time activities.
• Remind your children about their importance in your life and vice versa. This would keep the love going strong between you and your offspring, while also helping the little ones to gain immense confidence.
• Connect your children with the extended family, especially the elders, so that they can have a sense of communal reinforcement in the matters of the heart, mind and body. 
   

Friends and neighbors

• Identify good parenting skills in other people and appreciate them for it. Kind words can boost the motivation of people to great lengths and brings out the best in them.
• Whenever you find free time on your hands, try to seek out baby-sitting opportunities in your neighborhood to help other parents to rewind.
• If you are well-versed in the affairs of married life in particular and life in general, it would be a noble deed from your side to share some wisdom with young parents. 
• Invite community members to a cultural event, a party, or just a casual get together to learn about the people and their children living in your neighborhood.