Baby Lovie

Be a Part of The Thread Alliance “Safety Net”

EVERYONE can prevent child abuse!

It’s easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed when hearing the words “child abuse.” They are powerful words, evoking frightening images nobody wants to see.

Yet, child abuse never has to happen. Every child can be protected from abuse and experience a happy, healthy, nurturing childhood.

We don’t need special equipment, medicine, or technology to prevent child abuse. We just need you.

WEAVE THE THREAD OF LOVE – literally!

From the comfort of your own home, you can knit, sew, crochet or quilt a blanket, scarf, hat,
baby blankets, Lovies, etc. for a child in foster care.

lovies

  • Start a knitting club. Begin by asking family and friends if they have rolls of yarn sitting in drawers or closets they can donate for a blanket. Invite your friends – especially those who are housebound and spend a lot of time alone – to help make a scarf. Consider involving retirement communities, neighborhood associations, etc.
  • Easy Eyelet Pattern for the BabyLovies/Baby Blankets you can create »
  • Sheila Aron, founder of The Thread Alliance and author of I’m Glad I’m Me, will donate a copy of her book to accompany each item you and your colleagues create for a child.
  • Created items can be dropped off or picked up by BEAR…BE A Resource for CPS Kids, a non-profit organization with Child Protective Services, 713-295-2794 or 713-940-3087. For more information please contact The Thread Alliance »
  • Donating knitting needles: Size 9 circular knitting needles are greatly needed to teach teens how to knit Lovies. If you would like to donate knitting needles please contact The Thread Alliance.

Any caring adult or teen can do simple things – every day – that prevent child abuse. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

If you are a . . .

Parent

  • Spend special moments every day with each child individually.
  • Hug, kiss, and let your child know how much you love them – every day.
  • Put your child’s needs before your own.
  • Know what to expect as your child grows:  learn about healthy child development from the internet, books, your children’s doctor.
  • Discipline with positive techniques.  There are excellent ways to help your child learn without yelling, shaming, or spanking.  Check out the internet or contact ESCAPE (www.learntoparent.org), Family Services (www.familyservices.org), the Collaborative for Children (www.collabforchildren.org), or any of the other agencies listed in The Thread Alliance Resources (Prevention-Parenting Classes) section.

Grandparent/Aunt/Uncle

  • Be actively involved in the lives of children and teens in your family. Offer support, encouragement, and assistance.
  • Attend functions where your young relatives need a familiar face – sports activities, school plays, science fairs, etc. Let your young relatives know how proud you are of them!

Teen

  • Be a mentor to a younger child who is experiencing a challenging home life. Play with them, read to them, help with homework, etc.
  • Volunteer your time and talent with child abuse organizations. Check out the Resources section of The Thread Alliance website for ideas.
  • Be sure to report (1-800-252-5400) if you or a friend are experiencing abuse of any kind.

Survivor of Childhood Abuse

  • Obtain the support you need (counseling, education, spiritual, etc.) to help you heal.
  • Break the cycle – learn nurturing discipline, how to choose healthy partners, and how to protect children from abuse.
  • Consider volunteering in any aspect of child abuse prevention, intervention, or treatment you are comfortable with.
  • Knit a Lovie for a child in foster care. (See instructions and easy eyelet pattern above)

Member of the Clergy

  • Know how to respond appropriately to a disclosure of abuse and how to obtain help.
  • Promote the use of positive discipline techniques among the parents and caregivers in your congregation. Discourage the use of yelling, shaming, and spanking.

Teacher

  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, know how to respond appropriately to a disclosure of abuse, and know how to obtain help.
  • Model non-violent conflict resolution and positive communication skills.
  • Teach relationship skills, parenting skills, and child abuse prevention skills to your students.
    Contact ChildBuilders (www.childbuilders.org) for school-based programs and training.

Physician

  • Screen for physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect.
  • Build strong partnerships with parents. Counsel and provide appropriate materials (handouts, text services, email blasts, etc.) to educate parents in developmental stages and positive parenting skills.

Attorney

  • Advocate for strong policies and legislation to prevent child abuse and support victims.
  • Provide pro bono services to organizations such as Child Advocates (www.childadvocates.org) and Children’s Court Services (www.hawc.org).

Retiree

  • Volunteer! Check out Volunteer Houston (www.volunteerhouston.org) for opportunities to help children and familes, or visit the Resources section of the Thread Alliance website for ideas.
  • Be available to help young or struggling families with respite care; serve as surrogate grandparents.

Politician

  • Advocate for and work to pass legislation beneficial to children and families.

Single Young Adult

  • Become a mentor to a child/teen in need or volunteer with a child abuse-related organization (see the Resources section of the Thread Alliance website for ideas).
  • Participate and lead fundraising efforts for child abuse organizations.
  • Advocate and vote for policies and legislation that benefit children.

 

 

Everyone can help create a community where children are loved


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