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2018 Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect BUILDING BRIGHTER CHILDHOODS Sponsors Virginia Department of Social Services and Prevent Child Abuse Virginia Co sponsor Virginia Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention 8 5x11Build 012618 cmyk 4 0 indd 1 1 26 18 6 20 PM

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH A P R I L 2 018 Read Me First Building Brighter Childhoods is this year s prevention theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month in Virginia It highlights the fact that every child should be valued The 2018 packet is filled with resources that can help parents and caregivers as they nurture communicate with and support the children and youth they are raising It also contains information and statistics that can help your community understand why prevention is important and how citizens can help 2 018 PAC K E T C O N T E N T S LEFT SIDE POCKET RIGHT SIDE POCKET 1 Packet Contents Read Me First 2 Fact Sheet 3 Moments in Virginia 4 Introduction to Families Forward Virginia 5 Proclamation 6 Side 2 Sample Press Release 7 Survey PRIZE DRAWING for completed surveys 8 Recognizing Child Abuse 10 Behaviors and Symptoms of the Autism Spectrum COMMUNITY 15 Summer Safety Tips 16 Tips To Keep Children Out of Hot Vehicles 17 Gun Safety Tips 9 Using ACE Screen to Identify Childhood Trauma PARENTS CAREGIVERS 11 Self Care Tips for Parents 12 Choosing the Right Partner 13 15 Tips for Successful Visitation 14 Keep Cell Phones Away From Babies SAFETY Don t Forget to Fill Out Your Survey in Print or Online When submitted your name will be placed in a drawing for a 50 00 prepaid gift card Completing the survey in the left pocket is very important We use your responses to plan for next year s packet You may mail fax or scan the printed survey or visit this web address to take the survey online www pcav org 2018 child abuse preventionmonth survey We appreciate receiving copies of the materials you produce and distribute during Prevention Month clippings from your local newspaper and pictures 18 Color Poster Building Brighter Childhoods PARENTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT 19 Breastfeeding Tips When Working 20 Weaning Baby From Breastfeeding 21 7 Ways A Child Builds Self Esteem 22 Technology Tips for All Ages 23 Tips to Take Technology Off the Table 24 Helping Your Child With Homework 25 Grocery Shopping with Young Children 26 20 Ways to Make Healthy Eating Fun 27 What Parents Can Say to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse 28 How Boys Are Affected by Sexual Abuse 29 Opioids Parenting and Resources 30 Knowing When and How to Choose a Therapist for Your Teen 31 Connecting With Traumatized Teens How to Use the Packet Use the packet as you organize your observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month 2018 The parenting tips child development information and other flyers included can be duplicated or reprinted There is also a sample press release and a Proclamation for your use Feel free to customize the packet materials by adding information about your local program or inserting the name of your group Find Prevention Information on the Web You can find the latest statistics and other prevention information on the Virginia Department of Social Services web site in color or black white format www dss virginia gov family prevention cgi You can also download this entire packet in color or black white format from the Prevent Child Abuse Virginia web site www pcav org or on the Virginia Department of Social Services web site listed above

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN VIRGINIA Fact Sheet July 1 2016 to June 30 2017 How many children were reported as victims of abuse or neglect in Virginia During State Fiscal Year SFY 2017 there were 55 258 children reported as possible victims of abuse or neglect in 36 894 completed reports which were accepted by Virginia s city and county departments of social services There were 1 543 reports of substance exposed newborns Who reported suspicions of abuse or neglect to departments of social services The following individuals or entities reported suspected child abuse or neglect to departments of social services Educators 21 6 Law Enforcement Legal Courts 17 5 relatives parents 14 0 anonymous 11 2 Mental Health 10 6 other categories 9 3 medical community 9 1 social services staff 5 9 and child care providers 7 What were the outcomes of these reports There were 6 947 children in founded investigations Founded means that a review of the facts gathered during an investigation met the preponderance of the evidence standard There were 9 796 children involved in unfounded investigations Unfounded means that a review of the facts gathered during an investigation did not meet the preponderance of the evidence standard There were 38 515 children involved in reports that yielded family assessments That means that Family Services Specialists engaged these families through the process of assessing their strengths and needs and developing and operationalizing a safety plan with each as well as by ensuring the provision of supportive services as appropriate What were the types of maltreatment in founded investigations In some reports more than one type of maltreatment may have occurred Of all the instances of maltreatment in completed founded investigations 56 6 of the maltreatment was due to physical neglect a failure to provide food clothing shelter or supervision to the child to the extent that the child s health was endangered 28 0 of the maltreatment was due to physical abuse 8 8 of the maltreatment was due to sexual abuse 3 3 of the maltreatment was due to mental abuse neglect 2 0 of the maltreatment was due to medical neglect Who were the children in founded investigations AGE 32 4 of all victims were children younger than 4 41 9 of all victims were children aged 4 11 21 8 of all victims were children aged 12 17 The age of 3 9 of the victims was unknown RACE 67 6 of all victims were white 33 1 of all victims were black 1 1 of all victims were Asian The race of 8 of the victims was American Indian Native Hawaiian or unknown This category allows for multiple responses per child and thus may exceed 100 Source Virginia Department of Social Services as of 12 4 2017 and Virginia Child Welfare Outcome Reports VCWOR Retrieved December 2017

Fact Sheet July 1 2016 to June 30 2017 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN VIRGINIA How many children died as a result of child abuse neglect in SFY 2017 There were 120 investigations of child deaths due to suspected abuse or neglect that involved 120 children One investigation involved two children Thirty eight children died as a result of abuse or neglect 101 85 of these children were age 3 years or younger Seventeen cases are pending as of 12 12 2017 Child Fatalities SFY 2013 to SFY 20171 Fiscal Year Founded Unfounded Other Fatalities Fatalities pending or appealed 2017 38 51 31 2016 46 80 3 2015 52 74 5 2014 47 74 3 2013 36 70 0 Total 120 129 131 124 106 Completed reports SFY 2013 to SFY 2017 Fiscal Year Founded Unfounded Investigations Family Total Completed Investigations Investigations Assessments CPS Reports 2017 4 230 6 817 25 847 36 894 2016 4 113 6 482 23 282 33 877 2015 4 173 6 733 22 114 33 020 2014 4 312 6 728 21 867 32 907 2013 3 863 6 251 23 747 33 861 Children in completed reports SFY 2013 to SFY 2017 Fiscal Year Founded Unfounded Family Assessment Total 2017 6 947 9 796 38 515 55 258 2016 6 459 9 255 35 613 51 327 2015 6 592 9 467 33 809 49 868 2014 6 792 8 608 33 736 50 136 2013 6 205 8 848 36 293 51 346 Ages of children in founded investigations from SFY 2013 to SFY 2017 Fiscal Year 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 1 Younger than 4 yrs of age 32 34 32 30 30 Data collected from Local Departments of Social Services as of 12 4 2017 previous years updated Source Virginia Department of Social Services as of 12 4 2017 and Virginia Child Welfare Outcome Reports VCWOR Retrieved December 2017 Ages 4 to 11 42 43 43 43 43 Ages 12 17 22 21 21 22 7 23 Unknown 4 3 4 5 4

Every 9 6 days a child dies as a result of abuse neglect 8 Every 69 minutes receive services from a 1 child drops out of school 3 Virginia Child Advocacy Center 2 Every 28 minutes Every 76 minutes a child in Virginia becomes a child is abused or homeless 4 neglected in Virginia 7 Every 131 minutes a child is served by a CASA volunteer Every day 13 children 5 5 197 children Every 5 minutes A child is born are currently in foster care in Virginia Of these 5 197 children over half are in foster care due to neglect 7 in Virginia 6 1 Number of Children Abused Neglected in VIrginia www dss virginia gov 2 Children who received services from a CAC in 2015 www cacva org 3 Children who dropped out of school 2017 www doe virginia gov 4 Homeless Children in Virginia www education wm edu 5 Children served by CASA www dcjs virginia gov 6 Total Live Births www vdh virginia gov 7 Children in Foster Care in the State of Virginia www dss virginia gov 8 Number of Child Fatalities Attributed to Child Abuse Neglect www dss virginia gov

Stronger Virginia Families Two Generations at a Time Stronger Virg Two Generatio Stronger Virginia Families Two Generations at a Time Stronger Virg Two Generati GREETINGS FROM FAMILIES FORWARD Parents are their child s first and best teachers but not all have the knowledge and tools needed for success Families Forward is the result of the merger of Prevent Child Abuse Virginia CHIP of Virginia and Early Impact Virginia The combined nonprofit organization will continue efforts to build healthier stronger more self sufficient families by partnering with Virginia families and communities With both public and private funding Families Forward provides statewide leadership and unifies support for a multitude of Virginia programs through evidence based and multigenerational prevention strategies Working with parents and their children Families Forward supports home visiting positive parenting education child sexual abuse prevention programs advocacy and public education Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Public Awareness Education CompetencyBased Professional Development Family Support Education See next page for info about Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2018 CHIP of Virginia Early Impact Virginia Parents as Teachers Prevent Child Abuse Virginia Circle of Parents Healthy Families Hugs Kisses 800 CHILDREN Helpline Evidence Based Home Visiting Federal State Local Advocacy 8100 Three Chopt Rd Suite 212 Richmond VA 23229 FamiliesForwardVA org 804 359 6166 The root of child abuse and neglect is often related to a lack of role models limited education and not having reliable support systems All parents want their children to be successful in school life and work Yet parenting is not instinctive Parents learn by the way they were parented Education and a continuum of support is the key to delivering measurable results including the disruption of the cycle of abuse and neglect in Virginia Johanna Schuchert Director Child Abuse Prevention Services Families Forward FF GEN INTRO 013018 FIN indd 1 1 30 18 8 00 PM

Child Abuse Prevention Month April is N MONTH ENTIO CHIL D ABU S E PREV April 2018 Cultivating Investing in Great Childhoods National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed annually in April helps spread the message that everyone can help prevent child abuse by investing in and cultivating great childhoods Activities and outreach inspire people to support child abuse prevention and make a positive impact on the future by preventing child abuse and neglect today Pinwheels were introduced by Prevent Child Abuse America in 2008 as the national symbol for child abuse prevention as part of the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign During April Virginians display pinwheels as a visible reminder of the happy and healthy childhood that all children deserve Please join us in displaying pinwheels to honor children and to motivate everyone to support great childhoods And on April 6 2018 wearing blue demonstrates statewide support of great childhoods to help prevent child abuse and neglect When we invest in healthy child development and great childhoods we are also supporting community and economic development To order pinwheels and to access ideas for community activities and public education strategies to support Child Abuse Prevention Month in Virginia visit us online at FamiliesForwardVA org Stronger Virginia Families Two Generations at a Time Stronger Virg Two Generatio Stronger Virginia Families Two Generations at a Time Stronger Virg Two Generatio Stronger Virginia Families Two Generations at a Time Stronger Virg Two Generati 013018 G 8100 Three Chopt Rd Suite 212 Richmond VA 23229 FF GEN INTRO 013018 FIN indd 2 FamiliesForwardVA org 804 359 6166 1 30 18 8 00 PM

w PROCL A MATIONw By virtue of the authority vested in me I hereby proclaim the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month Whereas preventing child abuse and neglect is a solution that requires involvement among people throughout the community and Whereas child maltreatment occurs when people find themselves in stressful situations without community resources and don t know how to cope and Whereas the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community and Whereas all citizens should become involved in supporting families in raising their children in a safe nurturing environment and Whereas effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies schools faith communities civic organizations law enforcement agencies and the business community and Therefore I do hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call upon all citizens community agencies faith groups medical facilities and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live Now therefore I ______________________________________ do hereby recognize April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in __________________________ and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens

Sample Press Release F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E Contact Name Organization Phone Number Email Address Virginia Promotes Child Abuse Prevention Month April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Name of Your organization is partnering with Prevent Child Abuse Virginia and the Virginia Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention to spread the message that everyone can help great childhoods happen in their community This year s theme Building Brighter Childhoods promotes the idea that everyone has a role to play in helping to prevent child abuse and neglect in their community and the Commonwealth Research suggests that many people are already playing a role in preventing child abuse and creating great childhoods in their communities they just don t realize it A study commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America shows that only 27 of Americans report that they are engaged in prevention However that same study showed that 80 of Americans reported donating goods money or time to an organization supporting children and families 70 reported volunteering with children through places of worship schools and sports or academic clubs and 56 provided mentorship to a child in their family neighborhood or community This April we are working to educate the public about how they are already helping to prevent child abuse as well as offering some positive ideas about how we all can help children and families thrive In response to the national research Your Organization is offering some suggestions for how people can get involved Mentor a new parent by reaching out to your neighbor and offering to help such as by babysitting or cooking Donate time to organizations that support children such as by offering to be a free tutor or getting involved with a local mentorship program Donate money to organizations Wear Blue on APRIL 4th to represent your support of Child Abuse Prevention Month Purchase and plant a garden of pinwheels which symbolize child abuse prevention and reflect childhood hope health and happiness For information visit www pcav org ADD LOCAL ACTIVITIES HERE For more information on how to keep children safe from abuse and neglect please visit YOUR WEBSITE add here Or visit www pcav org www dss virginia gov or call the Child Abuse Hotline 1 800 552 7096

SURVEY 2018 Don t Forget to Fill Out T his Survey When submitted your name will be placed in a drawing for a 50 00 prepaid gift card Completing this survey is very important We use your responses to plan for next year s packet You may mail fax or scan the printed survey or visit the following web address to take the survey online www pcav org 2018 child abuse prevention month survey e in Print or Onlin We appreciate receiving copies of the materials you produce and distribute during Prevention Month clippings from your local newspaper and pictures Name ________________________________________ 5 Which of the packet pieces did you use Organization __________________________________ Check all that apply Address _______________________________________ LEFT SIDE MATERIALS Phone ________________________________________ E mail ________________________________________ __ 1 Packet Contents Read Me First __ 2 Fact Sheet 1 We participated in the following Child Abuse Prevention Month activities Check all that apply __ 3 Moments in Virginia ___Bulletin board display __ 4 Introduction to Families Forward Virginia ___Distributed literature To whom _______________ ___________________________________________ __ 5 Proclamation __ 6 Side 2 Sample Press Release ___Planted a pinwheel garden __ 7 Survey Prize drawing for completed surveys Number planted ____ ___Press releases ___Proclamation ___Special event Please describe ___________ _____ ___________________________________ ___Other Please specify ______________________ ___ Wear Blue Day April 6 2018 __ 8 Recognizing Child Abuse Community __ 9 Using ACE Screen to Identify Childhood Trauma __ 10 Behaviors and Symptoms of the Autism Spectrum Parents Caregivers 3 How many blue ribbons did you distribute __ 11 Self Care Tips for Parents ____ less than 50 ____ 51 250 __ 12 Choosing the Right Partner ____ 251 500 ____501 1 000 __ 13 15 Tips for Successful Visitation ____ More than 1 000 ____ More than 10 000 __ 14 Keep Cell Phones Away From Babies ____ More than 25 000 4 P lease estimate how many people you reached with awareness activities ____100 or less ____101 500 ____1 001 5 000 ____ More than 5 000 2018 Virginia Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention ____501 1 000 Safety __ 15 Summer Safety Tips __ 16 Tips To Keep Children Out of Hot Vehicles __ 17 Gun Safety Tips continued on other side

SURVEY April 2018 RIGHT SIDE MATERIALS Body copy __18 Poster Building Brighter Childhoods page 2 Which of your activities was least successful Please explain Parenting Child Development __19 Breastfeeding Tips When Working __20 Weaning Your Baby From Breastfeeding __21 7 Ways A Child Builds Self Esteem __22 Technology Tips for All Ages __23 Tips to Take Technology Off the Table What ideas do you have for next year s packet For instance is there anything you would have liked in this year s packet that was not there __24 Helping Your Child With Homework __25 Tips for Grocery Shopping With Young Children __26 Twenty Ways to Make Healthy Eating Fun __27 What Parents Can Say to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse __28 How Boys Are Affected by Sexual Abuse __29 Opioids Parenting and Resources __30 Knowing When and How to Choose a Therapist Please send us samples of materials you produced and articles about your activities They are very for Your Teen helpful to other groups who wish to observe 2018 Child Abuse Prevention Month __31 Connecting With Traumatized Teens Please attach samples of your materials to this survey and submit to Which of your activities was most successful Please explain Virginia Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention c o Prevent Child Abuse Virginia 8100 Three Chopt Road Suite 212 Richmond Virginia 23229 By Fax 804 359 5065 By Email info pcav org For more information call 804 359 6166 or 800 CHILDREN 800 244 5373

Be aware of abuse and take action when you suspect it or see it Things to know Many people think child abuse is limited to physical harm In reality child abuse includes physical abuse physical neglect sexual abuse and emotional mental maltreatment Most child abuse and neglect is not a one time event but usually occurs in a pattern over time Many children are subject to more than one form of abuse If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected contact your local department of social services or call the Virginia Department of Social Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 800 552 7096 language line available It shouldn t hurt to be a child 7 2014 Virginia Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention No permission is needed to duplicate this page for educational purposes 1 800 552 7096 Virginia Child Abuse Hotline language line available 800 CHILDREN 800 244 5373 Parent Helpline

Using ACE Screen to Identify Childhood TRAUMA A tough childhood can hurt for many years Effects of Early Toxic Stress Childhood abuse and neglect increases the chance of illness substance abuse and early death in adults The Adverse Childhood Experiences ACE Study confirmed this connection Childhood trauma contributes to physical and mental health issues including heart disease lung cancer diabetes depression violence being a victim of violence and suicide Use Score as a Guideline The screening does not take into account other major influences on health such as diet and genes or other types of toxic stress such as homelessness It also does not measure positive factors that can protect a child from trauma and lessen the long term effects The ACE screening identifies trauma your child experienced and reinforces the need to seek treatment and family support to improve his or her long term health outcomes Screening Matters You can learn how much your child is at risk of developing a chronic disease or social and emotional problems later in life with the ACE screening which includes 10 questions identifying the most common childhood traumas Understanding The Score The ACE score explains a person s risk for chronic disease Each type of trauma counts as one point A score of 4 or higher greatly increases the risk of developing social emotional and medical problems as an adult As a parent or guardian you can also answer the screening questions Find the screening at http www acestudy org the ace score html A painful childhood shouldn t hurt for a lifetime Use the ACE Screen as a guide to take early steps to improve your child s future health and wellbeing

Behaviors and Symptoms of the Autism Spectrum Autism is a disorder that ranges from mild to severe and it affects different children in different ways Boys are much more likely than girls to be diagnosed Some children with autism may be developing normally before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly lose their language or social skills Signs of autism include Early Indicators Your infant may fail to respond to his or her name point reach or seem curious about their immediate surroundings or the world Delayed babbling speaking and gesturing by 12 months are common Communication Difficulties A smile or wave and other social cues may have little meaning for your child The ability to understand another person s feelings thoughts or body language may be limited Talking may be in monotone or limited Your child may repeat words and phrases Unusual Behaviors Common behaviors include hand flapping rocking jumping and twirling arranging and rearranging objects and repeating sounds words or phrases Social Challenges Your child may not look you in the eye when you speak to him or her He or she may prefer to be alone become easily upset or avoid physical contact Understanding feelings may be limited and interests may be few or obsessive Sensitivities to Surroundings Your son or daughter may react in an unusual manner to how things appear smell taste sound or touch Anxieties may be extreme and meltdowns common For More Information To learn more there is an online screening tool for autism in toddlers at www autismspeaks org what autism diagnosis mchat If you ever suspect something is wrong with your son or daughter don t hesitate to seek help Always discuss any health concerns with your child s doctor There is no known cure for autism but early intervention can make a difference

Self Care Tips for Parents Airline flight attendants always say that in the event of an emergency landing adults must put on their oxygen mask first in order to help their children and others That example is a good one to help you understand the importance of self care especially when you feel stressed by the demands of life Practicing self care restores your physical mental and emotional energy When you feel stronger you are better able to meet your own needs as well as those of your son or daughter and other loved ones Raising children is challenging It s even more difficult if you work or go to school Taking personal time is not a luxury it s a necessity You already know exercise helps Are you ready for some more ideas Being kind to yourself provides health benefits and teaches your child the value of self care That s a wonderful lesson to learn and one children can pass on Restore your energy with these self care tips when caring for an INFANT A sk a trusted person to babysit so you can change your routine and recharge K eep your energy up with healthy meals snacks and lots of water especially if breastfeeding A sk loved ones to pitch in if you feel overwhelmed by household chores S chedule a pamper yourself activity or a reading a day Whatever relaxes you do it as often as you can Self care tips for raising YOUNG CHILDREN F orm a circle of support with parents whose children are the same age as your own C reate a master calendar that has all family activities and appointments F ind a hobby and work on it if for only 30 minutes at a time C all a friend host a dinner or game night Choose to have fun Self care tips for raising TEENAGERS A void yelling when your child ignores you or gives you the silent treatment Enlist the help of another adult who connects with your child C ompromise when appropriate Your child is hardwired to test his or her budding independence D eclare a monthly technology free weekend Use the time to talk or do family activities B e honest Are you projecting your dreams on your teen If so apologize and back off

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARTNER It s natural to want a loving relationship with another adult It makes you human But it s in your child s best interest that you move slowly before introducing your son or daughter to a love interest Proceed even slower before letting your partner spend nights or babysit The people who can hurt your son or daughter the most are often the adults who have easy access Often it s someone your child knows and trusts Signs to look for while dating include Not wanting your friends and family around Controlling or jealous behavior Drug or alcohol abuse Anger when your child cries or misbehaves Violent behavior toward you or your child Mood swings Frequent criticism of you If you see at least one sign your child has an increased risk for possible harm You may not see signs right away that your partner could harm your child That s one good reason to give the relationship time to develop before he or she starts staying overnight or living with your family Steps to take to protect your child when choosing a partner G oogle him or her Pay for a background check Did you know that a child in a home with a live in boyfriend is 11 times more likely to be abused than a child living with married parents For younger children the news is even worse A child under age 5 faces a greater risk of being fatally abused when living with his or her mother and a boyfriend Look at his social media profiles and activity Observe how he or she interacts with your child Pay attention to your instincts Tell your child he or she can express any concerns they have about your partner Name a neighbor or another trusted adult your child can go to if frightened by your partner when you are not home It takes time to know if a person is the right partner Don t rush You and your child are worth the wait

15 Tips for Successful Visitation A workable visitation schedule requires cooperation and communication Make sure you do your part to help your child adjust and thrive

Keep Cell Phones Away from Babies Did you know that your cell phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat A survey found on average a person touches his or her cell phone 47 times a day and consequently transfers a lot of germs some quite serious It s clearer now why your cell phone or anyone else s should never end up in your baby s mouth There are other possible health concerns too At the 2016 Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting doctors said pregnant mothers should keep cellphones away from their stomachs Why The doctors were concerned that potentially harmful radiation could affect the baby s brain development Early research suggests that parents err on the side of caution the doctors said Your cell phone may fascinate your baby or young child but it is not a toy Protect your baby s health by keeping a cell phone out of his or her hands

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS Summer marks the time for outdoor fun and activities Do you know how to keep your child safe Use these suggestions to protect your child from harm Allow your child to ride a 2 wheeled bike without training wheels only when he or she feels ready Get your child properly fitted when shopping for a new bike Never buy a bike he or she will grow into That s dangerous Water safety tips Never leave your young child alone near water Teach your child to always swim with a buddy Allow your young child to only swim in areas with a lifeguard Secure your home pool with appropriate barriers Check the water if your child is missing Teach your child how to swim Fireworks safety tips Be aware that fireworks can result in burns blindness and death Be responsible with sparklers which can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit and can burn users and bystanders Attend community displays run by professionals instead of using fireworks at home For bottle rockets stand at least 50 feet or further away from the device before it blasts off Stand 500 feet away before larger rockets or launched fireworks explode Bug Safety tips Apply insect repellent Never use scented soaps and hair sprays on your child Avoid stagnant pools of water and blooming gardens Eliminate standing water in your yard Dump any buckets or empty flowerpots Fix holes in screens to keep bugs out Avoid dressing your child in bright colors or flowery prints which can attract insects Remove a stinger by gently scraping it with your fingernail or a credit card Wear loose fitting long sleeves in a wooded area Bicycle Safety Require your child to wear a snug helmet at all times Look for a helmet that meets the the U S Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC bicycle helmet standards All terrain Vehicles Safety Prohibit children too young to hold a driver s license from operating or riding off road vehicles Three out of 10 ATVrelated deaths and emergency room treated injuries involve children Don t allow your child to ride as a passenger Most ATVs are designed to carry just the driver Passengers are frequently injured Require your child to wear helmets eye guards sturdy shoes and clothing that is protective and reflective Summer allows your child to pursue outdoor adventures and make memories Keep fun activities safe by requiring your son or daughter to follow the safety tips above

Tips to Keep Children OUT of HOT Vehicles Dozens of children left in hot parked cars DIE FROM HEATSTROKE every year across the nation These accidents are every busy parent s nightmare as most of the children were accidentally left behind Some accidents also occur when children play or hide in unlocked vehicles Many of the children who die from heatstroke are a year old or younger Here s what else you need to know and do to protect your child Park Exit Look and Lock PELL When driving with your child make it a habit to always check your back seat after exiting your vehicle and before locking the door Keep a wallet or phone near your child Distractions happen One way to jog your memory is to place an item you use frequently in the back seat next to your child Most of these tragedies happen during the hottest months Keep your car locked This is another Place keys in a secure space Keep Did you know that a child s body temperature rises more quickly than an adult s Did you know that a car s temperature can climb 20 degrees in 10 minutes Did you know the car doesn t necessarily have to be hot Heatstroke can occur even in a car parked in the shade with windows open and temperatures in the 60s good habit to develop to prevent accidents your keys in a location your child can t reach Vow to never leave a child alone in a car It doesn t matter if the air conditioner is on or you plan to return in a minute Just Don t Do It Teach children that cars are not places to play Tell them never to get into a car without an adult CALL POLICE if you see a child alone in a backseat Your call may save a life Distracted drivers and hot vehicles are a deadly combination for children Stay focused with a young passenger to protect his or her life

GUN SAFETY TIPS It is the responsibility of every gun owner to prevent his or her firearm from falling into the hands of a child Whether the child is at home or visiting a friend or family member most gunrelated injuries and fatalities are accidental shootings As a parent or guardian you can take steps to prevent these tragedies Guns are in many homes and can pose a real danger to your child and other children Educate yourself and others on how to keep all children safe

Breastfeeding Tips When Working Have you decided to return to work and breastfeed There will be challenges but you can make it work HERE ARE FOUR TIPS 1 ASK YOUR EMPLOYER FOR FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING Explore if you can work from home one or two days a week Remote and flexible work options are increasingly popular Even if you decide to have in home care you can be available to nurse 2S UBMIT A WORK PLAN Details should include when and where you will pump and where you will store the milk Explore the possibility of nursing during your lunch hour It s important you get the support of your coworkers since you will take frequent breaks 3 BUY OR RENT A BREAST PUMP Before you start back to work learn how to use your pump and build up a supply of milk to add to the freezer Remember to add the date and time to all stored milk Milk pumped during the morning can affect the baby differently than milk pumped at night Help your breasts to produce plenty of milk by breastfeeding soon after birth and often there after 4 TRY A COMBINATION Consider breast feeding and formula feeding Your caregiver may feed formula while you nurse in the morning and evening Breastfeed your baby normally on the weekends to increase your milk supply Breastfeeding provides many benefits including gut and immune protection Finding a way to continue breastfeeding while working is a commitment to protecting your baby s nutritional needs

Weaning Your Baby from Breastfeeding Only you can decide when it s time to wean The American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends that mothers breastfeed for up to a year or longer if this works best for you and your baby Most mothers choose to wean their baby when they are 4 to 7 months old according to the AAP What s the best way to wean Use a gradual approach Try these methods Limit nursing time Shorten the amount of time your child is breastfed Cut nursing time in half Depending on your baby s age follow the shorter feeding with a healthy snack Skip and distract Try postponing feedings if you re only nursing a couple of times a day and your child is older If your child wants to nurse try distracting him or her with an activity Make sure you give your child plenty of attention during the weaning process Set a Date Pick a deadline to stop breastfeeding Allow yourself and the baby several weeks to stop weaning which may be enough time to deal with any setbacks Reduce feedings Depending on the age of the child offer your baby a bottle or cup of milk instead of nursing Tapering off how often you feed will help your child and you to adjust Your milk supply will slowly diminish which can prevent engorgement Don t rush Breastfeeding creates an intimate activity for you and your child Letting go may challenge each of you Do it when you feel ready

7Ways A Child Builds Self Esteem Helping your child build self esteem is a balancing act Sometimes you want to step back and other times you want to fight his or her battles The best way to help your child grow up to be confident is by encouraging your son or daughter to pursue experiences that make him or her feel capable effective and accepted That means sometimes your child will tackle challenges and win and other times fail But struggles and failures can build self esteem too Help your child build confidence by encouraging your son or daughter to 5 Help at home Asking your child to help out at 1 Take healthy risks Risks help your child stretch and grow Allow your child to figure out problems make choices and experience the results home can build a sense of responsibility Make him or her feel valued and channel energy into desirable behavior Whether a toddler or a teen every child can help set the table collect dirty clothes for the washer and pick up around the house 2 Develop competence 6 Make choices Allow your child to make age Encourage your child to explore and develop interests and talents To progress your child should stick with what he or she started 3 Set realistic goals It s OK for your child to go big with his or her dreams but the goal must be within reach A short person will probably not make the NBA regardless of how many hours he or she has practiced 4 Earn praise When praise is appropriate it can make your child feel like a million dollars Too often children are over praised which lowers the bar Praise your child s effort or achievement and not his or her worth For example don t tell your son he is awesome tell him you loved how he achieved his goal of all As appropriate choices and live with his or her consequences 7 Know your love is unconditional Your child will make mistakes But when your child fails to meet your expectations your son or daughter needs to know you will continue to support and love him or her Remember you can t give your child self esteem But you can provide the guidance and tools to help your son or daughter build confidence

TECHNOLOGY TIPS FOR ALL AGES Why Limit Media Use Too much digital media can have negative effects They include Lack of sleep Young children with a TV tablet or cell phone in their bedrooms fall asleep later research shows Adequate sleep is important for healthy growth Digital media exposure which includes television should be limited for every child regardless of age That s the advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics which released updated recommendations For parents they include Ban children younger than 18 months from digital screens with one exception video chats Keep babies away from digital media to protect their brain development and foster stronger parent child connections Choose high quality programming if you allow a child 18 to 24 months of age to watch digital media always watch together Delays in developing Children who watch too much TV as babies and toddlers can lag in developing social skills the ability to pay attention think and speak It s important to interact with your child on a daily basis to help him or her learn Limit screen time for children ages 2 to 5 to one hour a day Find other healthy activities that you can enjoy together as often as you can Determine the best amount of screen time for children ages 6 and older Monitor what your son or daughter views and does Obesity For many children watching TV and snacking go hand in hand Heavy media use during preschool years is associated with weight gain and a greater risk of childhood obesity which can include diabetes Behavior problems Children don t always understand the consequences of violence They may copy the violent behavior they see which can lead to problems at home in school or the community Protect your child by limiting screen time and knowing what content he or she is watching Better yet watch together

Tips to Take Technology OFF the Table Studies show that eating meals together as a family produces a better diet and higher self esteem among kids That s a goal worth pursuing Is technology eating into your family mealtimes If the answer is yes you may want to put your child s media use on a restrictive diet Research found that children who used electronic devices and watched television or movies while dining ate fewer healthy meals Families that permitted media use during meals had fewer servings of green salad vegetables fruit and milk and more sugary beverages Digital devices should fit your parenting style and protect all family time activities Here are tips on how and why to go tech free when your family gathers around the table to eat Ban hand held devices for all meals No phones are allowed at the table for anyone even when friends and other guests visit Turn off the television too Many children already watch too many hours of TV daily often while eating Consider occasional exceptions to the no technology rule For example you may elect to have a dinner movie night Focus on face to face communication Mealtimes can be an opportunity to catch up on the day s events while enjoying your food and family time Savor your food with fewer distractions Unconscious eating can occur while scrolling on a cell phone laptop TV or other electronic screen

Helping Your Child With HOMEWORK Completing homework assignments is good for your child Time management study skills and reinforced learning are some of the benefits As a parent it s important to provide a homeworkfriendly space for your child and that you monitor his or her assignments With planning and guidance you can transform homework into a positive routine

TIPS for Grocery Shopping with Young Children planning and patience shopping with your son or With daughter can be an educational and fun experience Taking your toddler or preschooler shopping with you can sometimes feel like a chore but it can teach your child about your expectations about behaving in public Shopping can also improve your child s motor skills which include pushing carrying and unloading THINK ABOUT TIMING The experience will be better if your child is well rested or the store is less crowded Also add in extra time Shopping with a small child will likely take longer Try these 10 TIPS to make grocery shopping a more pleasant and learning experience GIVE YOUR CHILD SOMETHING FAMILIAR Allow your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket A big store with products in many colors and shapes can be overwhelming for a child PREPARE A LIST This keeps you from forgetting must have items especially since your child may require extra attention SET LIMITS TO MINIMIZE WHINING Explain at home how you expect your child to act in the store Explain the rules and stick to them AVOID SHOPPING WHEN HUNGRY Provide a snack before shopping or carry them with you Bring water too BE STRATEGIC Take a bathroom break at home or before shopping Everyone goes MAKE YOUR CHILD A HELPER Ask your child to locate items by color or shape hold or read the list add non breakable items to the cart or carry light bags inside the home He or she may also help you to put groceries away MAKE IT FUN Turn shopping into a game Make your child his or her own grocery list with photos at www thetripclip com The personalized list makes it easier for your child to help find items KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE Sometimes the best plans go awry If your child is having a temper tantrum consider leaving the store Children can be unpredictable REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR Show your appreciation for good listening skills and conduct while shopping Consider allowing your child to choose one healthy treat or a fun activity to do afterward

2 0 W AY S T O M A K E Healthy Eating Fun Shopping planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks are activities your family can do together Be creative and try different recipes Take turns deciding on the menu You can make mealtimes fun and educational Try these 20 tips to help your family embrace healthy eating 1 Allow your child to pick out a new fruit or vegetable in the grocery store Have a family vote on how to prepare it in a healthy way 2 Choose whole grains such as whole wheat bread and cereal brown rice popcorn and oatmeal 3 Use healthy fats such as olive oil and real butter instead of margarine when possible 4 Eat more skinless poultry and fish with omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon and tuna 5 Limit red meat to an occasional serving and choose the leanest cuts Ask your grocer or check labels 6 Read food nutrition labels and help your child understand how to make healthy choices 7 Explain why excessive sugar sodium and saturated fat and trans fat are unhealthy 8 Cook at home more often so you know exactly what s in your food and to control portion sizes Some restaurant and fast food meals can be loaded with sodium and fat 9 Keep healthy snacks available like lightly salted or unsalted nuts fresh fruit and veggies 10 Reduce the amount of salt Check labels Most salt is in processed food a reason to eat less of it 11 B uy frozen vegetables and fruits which are loaded with nutrients and fiber Check labels for additional ingredients like sugar 12 Use herbs and spices instead of salt when cooking Flavor meals with fresh lemon and lime 13 T ry steaming baking roasting and grilling vegetables to bring out their natural flavors 14 L imit sodas and sugary juices and tea Encourage your family to drink more water 15 M ake fruit desserts more often and limit cakes pies and cookies to special occasions 16 Start a garden Get your child excited about growing fruits and veggies 17 Take turns organizing the grocery list collecting coupons and gathering recipes 18 Assign and rotate duties such as gathering ingredients prepping food and cooking as well as clean up duty Make sure tasks are age appropriate 19 Eat a meatless meal such as veggie burgers weekly Add beans for more protein 20 Eat the rainbow Fruits and vegetables come in a variety of different colors Keep a count on how many you can eat each day Make healthy eating a fun and creative family activity with planning and everyone s involvement

WHAT PARENTS CAN SAY TO Prevent Sexual Abuse In order to keep your child safe from sexual abuse it is important that you feel comfortable with your son or daughter talking about body safety By the time your child is a toddler you can help your child understand that his or her body is not to be touched by anyone without permission Talking to your child about the need to keep his or her body safe is essential Follow these age appropriate tips from The American Academy of Pediatrics 18 months Teach your child the proper name for body parts Ages 3 to 5 Teach your child about private parts of the body and how to say NO to any type of touching that seems wrong or makes the child uncomfortable Ages 5 to 8 Discuss safety away from home and the difference between being touched in private parts of the body which are areas covered by a bathing suit and never touching someone else s private parts Encourage your child to talk about scary experiences NO Teach your child that saying no is OK when it involves his or her body Encourage your child to always share secrets with you about his or her private areas being touched Ages 8 to 12 Stress personal safety and give examples of possible dangerous areas such as locker rooms malls social media sites and isolated places Discuss the rules of sexual conduct expected by the family Ages 13 to 18 Continue to stress personal safety and potentially higher risk locations Discuss such issues as sexual assault and abuse as well as your family s standards of sexual conduct NO

How BOYS Are Affected by Sexual Abuse AWARENESS is the first step in protecting your son If sexual abuse is disclosed by your child please contact your local social services department for further guidance The sexual abuse of boys is more common than most people expect As many as one in six boys are sexually abused nationally Abuse of boys often goes unreported for many reasons Boys can be more reluctant to talk about painful experiences They do not want to appear weak or they may be afraid of being given a label or called names Did you know that boys are more likely to be physically harmed during a sexual assault The first step you can take as a parent is to be aware that your son can be harmed in this way The effects of abuse can be serious and lifelong They may include anxiety disorders aggressive behavior poor self image and substance abuse Talk to your son about the importance of confiding in you about unwanted touching Help him understand that no person regardless of age should ask him to keep a secret about touching his body It s important to remember that not all sexual abusers are adults

OPIOIDS Parenting and Resources The abuse of opioids has led Virginia like other states across the nation to declare opioid addiction as a public health crisis MORE VIRGINIANS now die every year from an overdose than in car accidents Addiction or abuse of heroin and prescription drugs commonly prescribed for pain oxycodone hydrocodone and fentany will erode a parent s ability to provide good nutrition supervision and basic care for their child Family life with an opioid abuser is often chaotic and unpredictable This instability increases the risk for adverse childhood experiences which research shows can seriously affect a child s health and wellbeing as an adult If you or someone you know struggles with addiction it s important to take steps to keep children safe The first step is to admit you have a substance abuse problem and seek treatment VaAware com Go to to find treatment information access to resources and the latest research and data on this crisis Timely access to substance abuse treatments as well as recovery coaches or mentoring is available REACHING OUT FOR HELP to recover from addiction is the first step toward protecting your child s safety and wellbeing Be the best parent you can be by overcoming your addiction with determination guidance and education START NOW

Knowing When and How to Choose a Therapist for Your Teen Teens are known for being moody and unpredictable So how do you know when your teen needs the support of a mental health professional Trust your instincts As a parent you know your son or daughter best Look for signs such as dropping grades a change of friends self destructive behavior dramatic sleep issues talks of self harm and extreme anger These may be indicators of a need to talk to a professional AT LEAST 1 IN 5 TEENS HAS A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE How do you choose a therapist to help your teen deal with his or her problems The most important factors to consider are experience credentials and personality Seek a licensed therapist with experience and expertise in working with teens Ask for referrals from trusted friends your child s school counselor or pediatrician Read the therapists websites for details about their practices If your teen is struggling with a specific issue look for a therapist with the appropriate specialty To ensure a good match choose a therapist whose personality will be a good fit for your son or daughter The quality of the relationship with the therapist is the biggest predictor for success in therapy according to research Here are some key questions to ask a potential therapist How much of your practice includes working with teens W hat experience do you have with this particular problem affecting my teen H ow do you communicate with parents through the process How long have you been in practice Is your work collaborative C an you describe how you will work with my teen What are the goals for therapy Finding a therapist to help improve your teen s emotional health takes time Be patient ask lots of questions and listen to your instinct to find a therapist who is a good fit for your teen

Connecting with Traumatized Teens A teenager s reaction to trauma may challenge you in unexpected ways Your son or daughter may display difficult or unexpected behavior and emotions Your own coping skills will influence your teen so try not to lose your cool Some symptoms appear days weeks or even years after an upsetting event so patience is critical It s important to encourage your teen to express his or her emotions by talking to someone he or she trusts and through creative ways such as art writing or photography Provide your teen with the support he or she needs while recovering from trauma with these suggestions Reassure your son or daughter that he or she is loved and safe Listen and talk to him or her about the trauma Enjoy activities together as a family T alk about how your teen will resume his or her normal routine Try to compromise using healthy goals that don t overwhelm while encouraging continued healing T each and encourage your teen to use positive self talk when worried or thinking negative things Provide extra attention to your son or daughter Urge your teen to spend time with friends listen to music or do other things he or she enjoys Encourage exercise or practice deep breathing as healthy coping skills Your teen needs your patience support and love after experiencing a trauma Help him or her understand better days are ahead but don t hesitate to seek professional help if needed