Textbook Mommy

This Silent Epidemic Kills 5 Children Every Day

2013-05-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Child abuse is an ongoing problem in America which occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Its effects are far-reaching, long-lasting, and absolutely devastating. It’s terrible to think that The United States has the worst record of any other industrialized nation when it comes to child abuse losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths.

According to ChildHelp USA, a staggering 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made each year, and many experts estimate that only a third of child abuse incidents are ever reported at all. This means that the actual number of child abuse cases is more likely to be around 10 million every year.

Who Is Responsible?

Sadly, the individuals who are most often responsible for child abuse-related fatalities are the parents and caregivers themselves. I’m sure that most parents can’t even imagine hurting their own children, let alone doing something to cause their death. Although it's difficult to fathom, child abuse fatalities happens fairly often. Recent Cases Just earlier this month, a homeless mother of six let her 2-month-old son starve to death while the family was staying in a shelter. The saddest part is, the shelter offered access to food, and baby formula.

In December of 2012, thirty-four-year-old Brian Michael Miller was charged with first-degree child abuse resulting in death when he pushed his girlfriend’s two-year-old son down onto a hard floor. The child hit his head, and died from his injuries.

James D. Blanchard, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after shaking his infant son so badly, that doctors say the child will never be able to walk or talk because of irreversible damage to his brain and spine.

Other Consequences Of Child Abuse

According to Instant Checkmate’s blog, children who suffer from abuse and neglect are significantly more likely to struggle later in life as adults. These problems can range in severity from psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, to an increased risk for drug use and/or violent behavior later in life.

Silent Victims

While teaching children to speak up and tell an adult they trust if they’re being abused is helpful, this strategy can’t prevent the vast majority of child abuse cases because most victims can’t speak out. According to the website, DoSomething.org, most children become victims of abuse and neglect at 18 months or younger. Additionally, in almost 80% of child-abuse related deaths, the child was under the age of four. Sadly, this means that many infants and young children are suffering in silence, unable to ask for help.

How To Spot And Prevent Child Abuse

Signs of emotional abuse in a child can include: being excessively fearful, withdrawn, or anxious about doing something wrong, showing extremes in behavior, (the child can either be very compliant and cooperative, or very aggressive and demanding). The child acts overly adult (taking care of other children), or overly infantile (thumbsucking, rocking, throwing tantrums).

Signs of physical abuse in a child can include: frequent, unexplained injuries, shying away from being touched, or flinching at sudden movements, and always wearing longsleeves, even when it’s hot outside.

Recognizing child abuse and actually doing something about it are two different things. If you think a child might be suffering from abuse, REPORT IT! When reporting abuse, some key things to keep in mind are to remain calm and comforting, don’t ask intrusive questions, reassure the child they did nothing wrong, and that safety comes first. And of course, let professionals handle the serious stuff like getting the child removed from the home.

With child abuse and neglect responsible for the deaths of five innocent children every day, we can’t afford to tell ourselves “It’s not my business” or “Maybe it’s not that bad.” If you see something, DO something. It could easily save a child’s life.

Jessica Ruane is a blogger who is passionate about social justice and human rights.

10 Funny Quotes to Inspire Healthy Living

2013-05-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

You think you have trouble staying healthy. Try doing it in the public eye. We set out to find a few lighthearted sayings from people you know . . . sayings about how they maintain a more balanced life. Their wit & wisdom may help you see food and fitness with a less critical eye. Here are ten funny quotations, each with a healthy application.

“I want to keep fighting because it is the only thing that keeps me out of the hamburger joints. If I don't fight, I'll eat this planet.” – George Foreman

Keep boxing. Keep running. Stick to exercise that motivates you to stay away from high-calorie temptation.

“I have a two-story house and a bad memory, so I'm up and down those stairs all the time. That's my exercise.” – Betty White

You don't have to have a bad memory to choose the stairs. You can make small decisions all day long that build strength. Choose to stand rather than sit. Be aware of your posture. Get some fresh air. Purposely add energy to your day.

“Number one, like yourself. Number two, you have to eat healthy. And number three, you've got to squeeze your buns. That's my formula.” – Richard Simmons

All good tips, especially number one. If you don't like yourself before you begin to get healthy, your motivation will always have to come from the outside. Once you're okay with who you are inside, you have a healthy mindset for diet and exercise.

“I know I have to run 20 more minutes if I eat ice cream. Basically, I eat everything, but I just do more training.” – Jackie Chan

Simple math. Expend more calories than you take in. Period.

“A lot of parents ask me how to get kids to eat more vegetables. The first thing I say is that it starts from the top.” – Emeril Lagasse

Parents get the chance to model good behavior for their kids and break any unhealthy cycles passed onto them. You can help your kids prefer fresh food over processed food. Invest the extra time it takes to prepare good food, then make meals a social time they won't want to miss.

“I've got to keep breathing. It'll be my worst business mistake if I don't.” – Steve Martin

One of easiest ways to increase your energy level at work is to practice deep breathing throughout the day. Stop for a few moments to Inhale slowly then breathe out using your diaphragm. It'll clear your head, allowing you to focus.

“I always tell people I want to live to be 150 and they say why would you want to do that? I say, well there's a few people I haven't made mad yet. I want to get them.” – Mike Ditka

Like Mike, you need goals. And they don't have to be serious. Just motivating.

“Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.” – Steven Wright

Where can't you walk? And wouldn't it make exercise more enjoyable if you knew a friend was waiting at the end of your workout? Walk to a friend's house and share some of these quotes with them. You could both be inspired.

“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times.” – Mark Twain

Find a way to quit. You know you have to, for the sake of the ones you love and for everything you are meant to do on this earth. You're needed.

“The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep.” – W. C. Fields

Okay, it's not always that easy, but once you do get to sleep, rest well knowing it's the best fuel for the day ahead. Hopefully, these quotes will get you moving and considering healthier choices. And you can start with a smile.

Jason Bacchetta is a net entrepreneur and the founder of Quoto, where thousands of famous quotations exist. You can connect with him on Google+.

Cool The World Movement

2013-05-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

Today I would like to share with you an inspiring Indiegogo campaign called Cool The World that is aiming to spread the message of cooling our planet down through one song and one message. How it works is truly amazing! Through this movement, young people from around the world will lend their voices in their native languages. These songs will be recorded and then shared around the world via a "Cool The World" phone app where users will be able to not only listen to the songs, but will also be able to meet the singers, and initiate and join discussions about our environment.

We can all agree that global warming is a huge concern and a threat to our planet. The Cool The World campaign has the potential to start a worldwide conversation about these very issues. To be able to get their project off the ground, the wonderful folks behind the Cool The World Indiegogo Campaign need to raise funds to make it all possible. Any donation amount is gladly appreciated and you can donate by visiting their Indiegogo campaign page here. As a fun bonus, every person who donates (no matter the amount) is entered to win a Nutribullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor between now and when the campaign ends on May 30, 2013.

Keep up to date on Cool The World and learn more by following on Twitter and Facebook!