Child abuse is a serious problem in our society. Most of us shudder at some of the horrific stories we've heard, and wonder if there is more we can do to help.

While you are just one person, just one family unit, there are a few important things you can do to help prevent child abuse, not only in your own home, but in your community as well.

1. Lead by example. Be a nurturing, caring parent. This does not mean that discipline goes out the window. Part of nurturing and caring is teaching your child through healthy discipline.
2. Lend a hand. When you know someone who will be going through a stressful time, or you sense that a friend needs a break, make an effort to help by babysitting or helping with chores around the house.
3. Learn to help yourself. Learn to take a break when you need it. Go for a walk, have a shower, get a sitter and go window shopping. Don't let the pressure build up until you explode.
4. Know what to do when the baby is crying. Know when you need to step away from the situation. No baby has been permanently damaged by crying in bed for ten minutes until mom or dad can calm down.
5. Have some fun. Don't forget that you enjoy your kids. Have fun with them sometimes. Don't forget how to laugh.
6. Recycle your parenting materials to libraries or day care centers.
7. Monitor your children's television, internet, and video games. There are some violent (and other types) of images that can affect your children for their entire lives.
8. Report suspected abuse.
9. Attend local parenting classes and seminars.
10. Try to see the funny side. Always look on the bright side.

Child abuse as defined by wikipedia is the physical or psychological/emotional mistreatment of children. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.

While it is important to defend and help our children, it is also important to realize that all families are different. What may seem harsh to one family (i.e. Spanking) may be an effective method in another family. Of course there are things that are never ok, but don't go reporting your neighbor for giving her toddler a little swat on the bottom to help them remember not to run out in the street.

It is also important for us to be involved in our government so that we can keep our parental rights. With the definitions of child abuse being somewhat broad, it would be easy for things to spiral out of control as they have in England where having an overweight child is grounds for removing the child from their home. We need to safe guard our right to be the parents we want to be, while safe guarding our children at the same time from truly abusive situations.

If you would like to get involved, volunteer, or donate in Utah go to the PCAU (Prevent Child Abuse Utah) Website.