Joe Gentry

Today, sitting in classrooms across the nation, are students with a future. The possibilities are endless: these hopeful young minds will grow to become leaders, first responders, lawmakers, doctors, and defenders of freedom. They will solve societal problems, invent new technologies, and discover cures for diseases. They will teach, they will build, and they will collaborate to make the world a better place. Their hope will create the world we hope for.

We envision a future where all students are able to meet their potential and to achieve success by their own measure and that all students and children have a safe space to gain the life skills and confidence to navigate the choices ahead of them.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Alpena and Presque Isle Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Prevention Team, along with Alpena Exchange Club, is spreading the message that everyone can help great childhoods happen in their community, allowing children and students a safe path to meet their potential. The CA/N Team and members will be planting blue pinwheels and banners around Alpena and Presque Isle to remind the community of what a crucial role every member of the community plays in helping to prevent child abuse. You might wonder why a pinwheel for child abuse prevention. By its very nature, the pinwheel connotes whimsy and childlike notions. The pinwheel is meant to represent healthy, happy childhoods and is the official symbol of child abuse prevention. The Alpena Exchange Club has a display of flags at Mich-e-kewis and Washington Parks, as well as a banner across U.S.-23 North, as awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The CA/N Team and the Alpena Exchange Club are encouraging the public to learn more about how three specific actions — mentoring children and parents, advocating for family-friendly policies, and donating time and money related to child abuse prevention while giving the public the tools and resources they need to get involved in these activities.

Here are some actions you can take to help children and their parents, which have been provided by the CA/N Team. All children deserve a safe, happy and healthy childhood:

1. Spend time with your children — The best thing you can give your child is your time, attention, understanding and acceptance. Play a game. Go for a walk. Snuggle. Look them in the eyes when you talk to them. Compliment them on things they do well.

2. Be a good example –Respect your family members. Use a courteous tone of voice with them. When children misbehave, let them know that you dislike what they did, not who they are. Don’t hit your kids; violence teaches violence. Apologize when you’re wrong. Say “I love you” more often. Reward good behavior.

3. Be a friend to a parent — Listen. Sometimes, just being able to express anger and frustration helps ease tensions. Go shopping with a parent and child. Children are usually better behaved when their adults are happier and more relaxed. Invite a parent to go for a walk or bowling or golfing. Exercise helps relieve stress.

4. Reach out to neighbors or relatives with children — Offer to babysit or give them a much-needed break.

5. Praise and encourage the children you know –Mean words can make a child feel worthless, ugly, and unloved, and the hurt can last a lifetime. So, be positive. Tell a child you’re proud of her and why. Stick up for her; don’t let others tease or make fun of her. Smile. Let her know she is important to you. Say, “You’re terrific. I like you!”

6. Learn more about child abuse and child abuse prevention — Teach others. Plan an adult education program in your church, club or organization to inform people about children’s needs. Open your group’s facility to local education programs for parents.

7. Learn to recognize the signs of abuse — Know the signs of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.

8. Don’t stay in abusive relationships — Get help if you need it. This and other types of trauma can cause lifelong issues for children in many areas.

9. Report suspected child abuse and neglect — If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 855-444-3911 any time, day or night. This toll-free phone number allows you to report abuse or neglect of any child or adult to the Michigan Department of Human Services.

The CA/N Team is a designated local council of Children Trust Michigan for Alpena and Presque Isle counties. It was formed in 1978 and incorporated in 1985 as a nonprofit organization. The group is made up of volunteers, both lay and professional, committed to helping children and their families. For more information on CA/N meetings and programs they support, contact robin.benson@mymichigan.org.

The Exchange Club of Alpena’s yearly Child Abuse Prevention Flag Project acknowledges April asNational Child Abuse Prevention Month, promotes prevention of child abuse and awareness in our community, and monetarily supports local agencies with their work. Individuals, businesses or organizations interested in supporting the Exchange Club’s child abuse prevention project can contact project chairperson Ray Reynolds at 989-464-2546 or email exchangeclubofalpena@gmail.com

All children deserve a safe, happy and healthy childhood.

Joe Gentry is the executive director of the United Way of Northeast Michigan. Reach him by calling 989-354-2221. The United Way office is located at 108 Water St., Alpena.