Parenting can be a stressful role, but KIDLINE help is only a phone call away

Dear Editor:

Parenting can be challenging, but as stress rises due to hardship and disastrous situations such as the oil spill, parents and caregivers may find themselves in an even more tenuous predicament. Generally, these are the times when parents are in need of the most help when it comes to taking care of their children.

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana offers a toll free number for parents to call that provides crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals to community resources. Counselors are available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm by calling our KIDLINE at 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373). Any Louisianan with a question about parenting, child well-being and safety, or other issues like child abuse will find assistance from KIDLINE. If you identify with any of the following groups, please call KIDLINE, 1-800-CHILDREN, today:

• Parents, grandparents and caregivers who are requesting parenting tips, struggling with caring for a new baby, have questions about child development or need assistance with problem solving.

• Adult survivors of child abuse and others impacted by child maltreatment seeking a safe and confidential place for support, referrals to therapeutic services and/or information and educational materials about child maltreatment.

• Family and child-serving professionals concerned about a child or situation in their community or seeking guidance on issues related to child safety, protective factors for families and communities or identification of risk for harm to a child.

• School-age youth with questions or concerns about difficult topics such as bullying, violence, alcohol and drugs, peer relationships, personal development, family problems and other issues they encounter.

Supporting families and giving children the best start in life is important. Help is a phone call away.

Loren M. Brown,

Public Awareness Director,

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana