By Michele Tryon, CCLS, Community Outreach Coordinator
Blue pinwheel gardens have been planted at many CHKD locations throughout the area as reminder to celebrate children, support and strengthen families, and create communities where children can be safe from harm and free from abuse and neglect.
We know that over 4 million children are involved in reports of child abuse and neglect each year. It is also important to know that there are local and national efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote healthy outcomes for all children.
We, as individuals, can support local and national efforts as well as personally reach out to a child or family who may be struggling.
When providing training in the community, I like to do an activity that helps participants recognize how important even one nurturing adult can be to a child’s well-being. I ask training participants to think of an adult in their life who offered them support, guidance, or caring – someone who showed up and laughed with them or gave them a hug or advice when they were facing challenges as a child or young adult.
After they have completed this portion of the activity, I ask them to reflect on a child, maybe their own child or student, or a child in the neighborhood, who is in need of this type of support. Generally, a child comes to mind easily. The next step is to make a commitment to connecting with that child and making a difference.
Making the commitment to provide nurturing to even one child or family can turn the tides of abuse and neglect. When children feel heard and valued, they grow up to hear and value the next generation.
I remember several neighbors from my childhood who offered support to my siblings and me. The McIntyres, an older couple that lived two doors down, invited all four of us over for a snack every afternoon during the summer. They provided my mom with a much-needed break from the demands of parenting four young children. They filled our hungry bellies, listened to our silly jokes and made us feel important. To this day, I think of them fondly and what they did to strengthen my family and create belonging in our neighborhood. Each of us has the potential to reach out with kindness, strengthen a family, and let a child know they matter.
Look for the pinwheel gardens at CHKD sites this April, as they highlight the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect. Remember with appreciation the adults who nurtured you as a child, and make a commitment to nurture a child and strengthen a family. You can make a difference.
Helpful Resources From CHKD
CHKD Parent and Community Resources
CHKD Parenting Workshops and Webinars
