April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and I know what you’re thinking. “What can I possibly do to prevent child abuse?”
As modern-Americans, it’s easy to disengage because we’re already burdened with doing so much: balancing work and home, commitment to our schools and faith-based communities, extended family involvement, keeping up with overflowing calendars and kids’ activities, keeping the pantry stocked and meals on the table {or passed to the backseat of your minivan — don’t pretend you’ve never done this.} Not to mention saving the world.
Where is the time, energy, and wherewithal to serve our community and make a difference when our goal is simply to do the next thing?
That’s where this post comes in.
Our intentions are good. Our hearts feel compassion for those in need. We know that there are indeed real needs, even if we don’t truly know how raw and real those needs are.
So how can everyday folks like you and me be superheroes in our own communities when we’re already stretched thin?
This week begins a five-part series on this very topic.
It’s easy to think we have to act in big ways but that line of thinking undermines the real good we can do when we’re simply going about our everyday business of getting groceries, volunteering at our kids’ schools, and making dinner.
1. Realize that your privilege is, in itself, abundance.
You have more to give than you think. If you’re reading this, you are likely the recipient of privileges over which you had no control. We don’t choose the family, socio-economic class, educational pedigree, or community we are born into.
It’s natural to take these graces for granted, but these are indeed privileges.
Add up just a few of these privileges and you get abundance.
We tend to think we need more time, extra money, or a measure of expertise to “pay it forward” and make a difference. But what if we began to adopt a mindset of incorporating helps and kindnesses into our everyday?
It all begins with awareness.
Which brings me to the next point.
2. Be aware. Notice.
That mom in the grocery store at 5:30 pm with four kids and circles under her eyes? She’s running on fumes and simply wants to get the groceries in the car and the kids fed and in bed.
The daily grind is hard enough without added crises and chronic instability. Too much stress, in the form of sleep-deprivation, financial hardship, and family drama, can push even a loving parent to snap.
But what if you could be the unexpected grace that keeps a stressed-out parent steady and helps them make it through the day?
Yes, you.
It begins with noticing her.
Buy a cold Dr. Pepper from the checkout cooler and say something like, “I bet it’s been a long day. Here you go. Take it, I insist. You’re doing an awesome job, getting the groceries and corralling these energetic kids. Deep breaths. You’re gonna make it.”
There are countless ways this scenario might show up across our community but they all have the same simple tasks in common — paying attention and offering practical, everyday kindness.
Your compassion may provide the crucial grace a frazzled parent needs to keep calm and carry on.
Join us Wednesday for the next part of our series where we offer more ideas to inspire everyday actions we can all take.
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We all have a role to play in the prevention of child abuse. Learn more about what you can do to make a difference at Pickens County First Steps or preventchildabusenc.org.
Want to know another way you can help prevent child abuse? It’s easy. Share this post with your friends! Together, we can make a difference.
Other Posts in the Series
6 Ways to Keep Your Family Strong