An Excerpt from Does Your Child's World Scare You?
by Jeffery W. Scott

Sooner or later, home-alone children will get into trouble. On occasion, this trouble can turn into tragedy. For the sake of the children of the community, there are some things that can be done. Some parents have found great rewards through staffing a volunteer "grandma/grandpa" line. Children who are alone at home in the afternoon may call this telephone line and speak to a grandmother or grandfather for reassurance. Having a calm, loving voice on the other end of the phone can frequently be of great help to a child who is lonely and frightened. If there is a real problem, the volunteer can call the police, fire, or ambulance services for immediate assistance.

Parents can also make a difference by becoming a neighborhood home. As you become aware that some children return home to an empty house, you could make arrangements to host one or more children for a few hours in the afternoon. If this is too much to do in your home, perhaps the local church would be interested in beginning an after-school ministry. With a little creativity, an afternoon storytime, a movie hour, or even a tutoring program could be a safe haven for children who otherwise would be returning to an empty home.

Reverse the Trend in Abuse
Understanding that no community is immune from the plague of child abuse and neglect, parents must keep watchful eye for signs of children at risk. Mysterious bruises, unusual burns, and dramatic changes in behavior may all be indications of abuse. Care for children is demonstrated when we ask questions about their injuries. Parents should take the step of reporting suspicions of abuse to the proper authorities. Such reports can be made anonymously.

Another approach to making a difference in this area is to increase awareness of the problem in your community. Civic groups, PTAs, church groups, and the like may invite speakers, host workshops, or disseminate posters and brochures on this vital topic.

Parents may also consider volunteering. For some, a few hours a month serving in a child abuse hotline is rewarding. For others, becoming a temporary foster parent for abused children is a way to make a difference. Still others prefer to serve as a court-appointed special advocate and monitor the needs of local children. With more than 3 million children reported as abused each year, the need for volunteers is great.

Jeffery Scott is the author of "Does Your Child's World Scare You?" To order, go to the online bookpage or call 1-800-747-3016.

 

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