Pinwheels a Symbol of Prevention (National Child Abuse Month)

 

Pinwheels have been a symbol for National Child Abuse Prevention Month since 2008. It was chosen as a symbol for this necessary campaign because pinwheels symbolize play time, joy, and childhood. April is the month that was chosen for committing to prevent child abuse and neglect. During this time, you might see blue pinwheels in front of homes or in their gardens to give support to child abuse prevention. You can add a blue pinwheel to your yard to support and bring awareness of child abuse prevention and neglect.

Also learning and educate yourself about the warning signs of child abuse and neglect. Children who are being abused are emotionally withdrawn and withdrawn from their peers. Another warning sign is that a child is more open to speaking about sexual topics or saying inappropriate things regarding physical intimacy. As well as getting bruises and unexplained injuries in hidden areas. Additionally, a child can vomit, wet the bed at night, and might get pregnant.

However, there are other warning signs that a parent, educator, and anyone who is taking care of a child should be aware of. Too many temper tantrums, fear, and anxieties when the child does not want to be alone with someone. Behavioral changes that a parent might believe are part of puberty, but it is also a symptom of being abused by someone. Child Abuse damages a child emotionally, physically, and mentally. Consequently, this can make a child to have severe depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues.

The trauma of being abused as a child can last a lifetime if it is not treated by a professional psychologist, behavioral counselor, or therapist. It makes it difficult to socialize and have meaningful relationships as an adult especially if the trauma is not treated. Even if the trauma is treated, there is always a part of the mind that will never forget about what it went through during the abuse as a child or as a teenager; One must comprehend with patience and give emotional support. Therefore, preventing child abuse is crucial so every child can have a healthy childhood. If you were abused as a child, find a support group, and seek professional help to recover from those painful experiences.

Furthermore, if you suspect someone is being abused, do not delay in reporting it to authorities. Wear blue to promote National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Attend workshops, webinars, or classes that are offered in your area that provide resources for child abuse prevention. Discuss with your child’s pediatrician if you suspect any behavior changes and see bruises or anything that may not look ordinary. Here are more resources for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

 

Prevent Child Abuse America:

Prevent Child Abuse America

Child Abuse Prevention Month 2023:

Child Abuse Prevention Month 2023 (preventchildabuse.org)

National Child Abuse Prevention Month-Child Welfare Information:

National Child Abuse Prevention Month - Child Welfare Information Gateway

Signs & Symptoms-Child Abuse-Stanford Medicine:

Signs & Symptoms | Child Abuse | Stanford Medicine

* Font, background, and borders from PiZap

* Pinwheel clip art:

clipart pinwheel - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)