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Parenting is one of the most important things you can do..Being a parent is also a demanding role that can be challenging and stressful. All parents need support and advice at times.
If you are finding being a parent tough to handle get support - contact the Child Abuse Prevention Service on 1800 688 009 (24hr/free call) Parents and carers can:
- Try to understand the seriousness and consequences of child abuse
- Learn about healthy child development and how to build strong families
- Listen to children, try to understand what they're saying and doing - and why
- Encourage children to talk about any problems they may be having and be available to share their joys as well
- Allow children to experiment and make mistakes in a safe and supportive environment
- Find someone to turn to if you're under stress. All parents become stressed from time to time talk to someone you trust
- Don't cross the line and hurt your children. Take alternative actions, for example count to ten and think again.
- Check out your child's sporting club and other activities for their child protection policy and guidelines about keeping children safe.
- Help your children learn ways to keep themselves safe, including emergency numbers
- Learn about internet safety and teach children how to keep themselves safe in the online worldread more
- Understand that only a small minority of cases of child abuse involves a total stranger. It is far more likely to be carried out by someone known to the child or family even someone close who you'd expect to trust - such as a parent, another relative or a family friend
- Believe children, they may have a valid reason why they do not want to spend time with another family member, a relative or other adult.
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