In a culture such as ours we think a 'good beating' does the child some good. Remember parenting does not come with set guidelines. Discipline your children carefully. Think before you act, never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Children live what they learn, how you discipline your child is a way of teaching your child. If you discipline them with violence then they may think that forms of violence are ways of resolving
conflicts.Child abuse can be reduced if we:
Use privileges to encourage good behaviour and time-outs to help your child regain control. If the child throws a tantrum do not retaliate with violence.
Examine your behaviour. Abuse is not just physical. What you say to your child can inflict deep, lasting wounds. Be a nurturing parent. Use your actions to show children that conflicts can be settled without hitting or yelling.
Educate yourself and others. Supporting other parents can be a way to help prevent child abuse by sharing similar concerns and difficulties faced in parenting. Remember there is no handbook on parenting.
Teach children their rights. If each child knows that he is special and has the right to be safe then he may be more likely to report an offender.
Support prevention programmes. Too often, intervention occurs only after abuse is reported.
Know what child abuse is. Physical and sexual abuse clearly constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents or other caregivers to provide a child with needed food, clothing, and care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated, or continuously isolated.
Know the signs. Unexplained injuries aren't the only signs of abuse - depression; fear of a certain adult; difficulty trusting others or making friends; sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns; inappropriate sexual behaviour; poor hygiene; secrecy; and hostility are often signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
Report abuse. If you witness a child being harmed or see evidence of abuse, or if a child tells you about abuse, make a report to child services or the police. Let the child know that they are not responsible for what happened.
Parents who physically abuse their children could lose them to the state under the Juveniles Act. Under the Act an adult who physically abuses a child can be charged with cruelty to a juvenile. The act also states that if a child is not properly taken care of and it is reported to the police the juvenile can be taken away and placed in a children's home or a place of safety.
A Fit Person order could also be issued where the child is placed with someone who can competently take care of the child and the parent or guardian pay the cost of providing for that child.
Names changed upon request.
