Pause for a Child
> Visit the official Pause for a Child campaign page
Things move so quickly in today’s world. From the moment we get out of bed in the morning, we’re often rushed, preoccupied and stressed. But no matter how fast the world might be moving around us, it’s critical that we pay attention to our children.
Please consider the power of taking just a moment to focus on the children in your life—whether it’s your own child, a neighbor or someone you might pass on the street.
How does “taking a pause” make a difference?
In the rush of everyday life, we often miss what’s really going on around us. It happens to all of us. But how can we all learn to pause for the children in our lives?
For parents, busy family life can leave us overwhelmed and exhausted. Then a child misbehaves or talks back and we’re ready to snap. The simple truth is that parenting is not easy. But the next time a child is a source of stress, frustration or anger, PAUSE. Take a moment to calm down before reacting to your children.
Just a few moments can make an incredible difference in your ability to react calmly and constructively. Remember that it is normal to feel negative emotions while parenting, and you aren’t alone.
> If you’re stressed and in need of parenting support, give yourself the chance to relax and reach out. Sometimes we just need to know we deserve the time to help ourselves.
> As parents, we also need to believe in ourselves and not think that parenting should be easy. No one is a perfect parent and we all need encouragement and help sometimes.
> Ask for assistance from family and friends when you need it. They might babysit for you, listen to your struggles or just be there to support you.
> Seek out parent support groups, workshops or playgroups where you can share your challenges and find support. Find local resources online at www.pauseforachild.org
For every community member—not just parents—there are countless ways that a simple pause can make a difference for children.
> One way is to consider the impact your words have on children. The next time you’re about to speak to or around a child, PAUSE. Language is powerful. Whether you’re on the metro, at a restaurant or in your own home, take a moment to consider your tone and choice of words. Remember that what you say in front of children—even if you’re not talking directly to them—can teach them volumes about respect for others and themselves.
> You can also ask yourself: do you really feel connected to the children and parents in the community around you? Take a look around the next time you’re at the local coffee shop, your work or place of worship. We can all make a difference for the families we touch. Turn your influence into action by connecting with your community. The next time you see a child with his or her parent, PAUSE. Think about how you might become a positive influence for the families in your community. Offer support to a parent you know or consider volunteering with a local children’s or family program. It’s up to all of us to support the families that make up our own community, and it can be a great way to really feel engaged.
> One of the most important things we all can do to make children a priority is to protect them. If you know a child and are concerned or see a sign of child abuse or neglect, take action. And be persistent. If you don’t, who will? The sad truth is that many people see signs of abuse and never report them. The next time something seems unusual or unsettling about a child, PAUSE. Perhaps you notice behavior changes, a bruise, or you actually witness abusive behavior. There are steps you can take to help that child in the moment. Start a conversation with the parent, divert the child’s attention or praise the child or parent. If a child is in immediate danger, you should call 911 right away. But if you have questions, need support, or want to report abuse you can call the 24-hour Virginia helpline at 800-552-7096.
So what’s the point of all of this “pausing”?
I think all of us sometimes need to be reminded to take a break from the rush and stress that surrounds us in our lives. We might need a coffee break or time with friends or a vacation. But the pause we’re talking about taking is different. It’s about stopping for a moment and turning your focus toward the children you see. We need to make children a priority, and that means taking the time—even just a few moments a day—to focus on them.
As parents, a pause can help us control our emotions and be positive in our discipline. As community members, a pause can help us be role models, be engaged with our community and be an advocate for all children. We just need to take—and make—that time for kids.
Conclusion
Taking that pause is not always an easy thing to do. We’ve developed a variety of resources to help both parents, families and community members learn how to pause for the children in their lives, and they’re all available online at www.pauseforachild.org
We hope you’ll join us this year and commit your time to a child you know. Just pausing for a moment can mean a lifetime of change for a child.
