Don't be afraid to ask for help with children

It seems like an endless number of factors are conspiring to attack the traditional home. Divorce, single-parent families, live-in boyfriends, both parents of young children working, unemployment and financial stress -- all can manifest themselves in abuse or neglect of the most vulnerable among us.

In marking April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha noted 10 children were admitted to the hospital's emergency department with non-accidental injuries connected to abuse.

In 2009, Children's identified 242 cases of child abuse and neglect, and that doesn't tell the whole story, according to Dr. Suzanne Haney, medical director of the Children's Advocacy Team and Project Harmony in Omaha.

Although she wouldn't speculate on whether it was part of a larger trend, Haney says her hospital is seeing more physically abused children, including broken bones and head injuries, some resulting in death.

"There are many more children who have been harmed but don't require hospitalization. Last year, Project Harmony worked with approximately 2,200 children and teenagers who had been either physically or sexually abused or neglected," she explained.

No one wants to talk about child abuse, but it happens everywhere, not just in our state's largest city.

But it must be acknowledged and confronted.

Some of the clues that a child might be subjected to abuse is that the following factors might be present:

* Mental health problems

* Substance abuse

* Very young parents

* Lack of understanding about how to care for a child

* Lack of empathy for the child

* Lack of bonding with the child

* Poor coping skills, feeling overwhelmed

* Family stress.

Yes, raising a child is a tough job, and we all get frustrated from time to time. That doesn't mean it's OK to step over the line, however.

"Parents and caregivers should not be afraid to ask for help from other family members or friends," Dr. Haney said. That might even include calling child protective services if you feel you are about to lose control.

"It's also important for families to support one another," she said. "Check on your loved ones, particularly if they've been stressed or feeling overwhelmed. These social connections can help prevent what could become a catastrophic moment for everyone involved."