Could there be a link between child abuse and elder abuse? Dr. Harry Chugani, a Pediatric Neurologist who did outstanding research on the brain development of the young child talked about connections in the brain between ages 0-10 years which help to determine behavior patterns throughout one's lifetime. Could the absence of love, nurturing and compassion for the young child manifest later as an aloof, uninterested and indifferent adult to the needs of his/her aging parents? Child abuse, neglect or maltreatment includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse as well as safety, health and educational neglect. Treatment of the abuser has been primarily in the legal rather than the health care system, because what constitutes child abuse is defined under state law. This inhibits it from being a medical diagnosis. Preventing child abuse before it begins, or primary prevention, is the focus of the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services. Raising and launching happy, healthy children who have maximized the community's educ at ional resources and developed their potential to be productive citizens will keep Stamford strong in the future. The poor or wealthy abused child can do damage to any community. Child rearing is hard work, so parents must take time out to nourish and fortify themselves for this task. The shrinking extended family and increasing single-parent families sometimes makes this difficult. Do you have a faith community? Are you part of a civic or social organization so that you have healthy stimulation from other adults? Below are some practical suggestions to initiate primary prevention: Economic self-sufficiency offers more choices, so within the context of your budget, prioritize your spending. Having your child learn to swim, to play an instrument or to play chess may be more beneficial to life long learning than buying the latest designer outfit.
- Take advantage of the free health clinics and inquire about the nutritional assistance and child health insurance for which you may qualify. As you focus on raising your child, develop a strong curiosity about the resources in the community and seek them out. Utilize the phenomenal resources of the Stamford Ferguson Library.
- Avoid all forms of exposure to violent behavior by your child. Yelling, screaming, pulling, pushing, hitting, and hurting in real life or on the screen leaves an impression on the brain. Repeated exposures to such behaviors help to form life long habits.
- Begin reading to your child, sing songs, and recite poetry. Point to pictures and repeat words over and over again. The foundation for language development is set in the first 6 months of life
- Stamford is very committed to quality early childhood education. The achievement gap will be closed when every child has had this opportunity. Do your part as a parent to teach your child to read before he/she begins school.
- Work hard to identify early and get tre at ment for mental health and substance abuse issues, including alcohol and tobacco.
- Aim to develop and maintain healthy relationships with others so that your child will experience and understand the importance of agreeable people whose company is uplifting and beneficial.
- Be the loving example for your child so th at he/she can emulate you and return the treatment to you as you approach your twilight years. Spend time talking with children and be kind and caring to all those you encounter.
If you are at your wits end, call the Public Health Nurse at 977-4030 who will make a home visit to listen to you and make the appropriate referrals as required with your consent. |