As we recognize that April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, we have planted blue pinwheels at many of our CHKD buildings. The signs in the pinwheel gardens read: “Our pinwheel gardens serve as a visual 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 more than 4 million children are involved in reports of child abuse and neglect each year. It is also important to note that there are local and national efforts happening to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote healthy outcomes for all children.
In a recent training with the National Center for HOPE, I learned about the four building blocks of HOPE: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences. When these building blocks are sturdy and stacked in a child’s favor, research shows it has a long-term positive impact on their well-being. Research has also found that the presence of these building blocks can buffer the long-term negative impact of adverse childhood experiences. You can strengthen the building blocks of HOPE for your own children and support efforts to provide every child and family with the tools they need to increase well-being.
The building blocks of HOPE include:
- Relationships – Having nurturing, supportive relationships with adults and positive relationships with peers are critical for healthy development and supports resilience in the face of challenges.
- Environment – Children need safe, stable, and equitable school and community environments. They need to have emotional security, their basic needs met, and safe places to play and interact with other children.
- Engagement – Children need opportunities for social engagement like community service, celebration of family cultural traditions, and opportunities to participate in organized activities like music, art, or sports.
- Social Emotional Growth – Children need guidance to develop positive coping skills, emotional and behavioral self-regulation, and socially appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.
To learn more about the four building blocks of HOPE and how to incorporate them, please join our free virtual workshop “Focus on HOPE for Our Children, Families, and Communities” on Friday June 24. Register online for the event which runs from noon to 1:15 p.m.
Visit CHKD.org/ParentingResources for educational information.
Learn more about the HOPE project.
Original source can be found here.
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