Prevention Mythbusters
Domestic Violence is only a female problem.
Men can also be victims of abuse; some ways include name calling, throwing objects, and excessive texting or being checked up on in some manner.
It is illegal to spank your children.
Although spanking itself is not illegal (unless physical injury results), most parents in the US are choosing not to spank. Research shows that the long term negative effects of spanking can be detrimental to a child’s well-being. When parents identify positive parenting skills and techniques that are effective with their children, the long term benefits for both the child and parent are evident.
My child is too young for me to worry about talking about domestic violence.
More than half (50%) of 1,004 teens age 13 to 18 surveyed recently reported they have been in a dating relationship, and nearly a third (32%) reported being in a serious dating relationship. Polls clearly indicate that education about domestic violence is not only needed but can help save lives since 7 out of 10 (69%) will take some action when they are able to recognize domestic violence. It is never too early to teach children what healthy relationships look like. Qualities of a Healthy relationship include mutual respect, open communication, support, the ability of each partner to "be themselves" around one another, and the ability for both partners to have fun together.
Families are required to pay a fee for Prevention services.
Prevention services are voluntary and are available to families with children residing in the home. There is no fee to speak to a Prevention Specialist who will assist with linking you to resources and supports in the community to help stabilize and strengthen your family.
It is safe to let your baby sleep on an adult bed, air mattress, beanbag, reclining chair, sofa, water bed, or other furniture as long as you check on them often.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby less than one year old. This is very scary for parents, but there are simple things you can do to lower the risk of infant death. Some parents believe sleeping with their baby will protect the baby from SIDS, but sleeping with a baby is dangerous and actually raises the risk of infant death. The safest place for an infant to sleep is alone in a crib, in the parents’ room, for the first six months of life.
Only families with problems need resources & support.
Parenting is one of the toughest and most important jobs. Family support programs such as parent education, home visitation, respite care and support groups help parents develop parenting skills, learn and understand the benefits of positive discipline techniques, and meet their children’s needs.
Infant massage can only be used on healthy infants.
Infant Massage is a great way to bond with your baby and one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing early nurturing contact as you begin a lifelong relationship. Infant massage is adaptable to use for preemies, infants with special medical needs as well as growing toddlers.
It’s okay to have my child sit in the front seat.
The safest way for children to ride in a motor vehicle is for them to sit in the back seat in a child safety seat/booster until they reach the upper weight and height limit of the seat/booster. Once they outgrow the child restraint, a child should ride in a booster seat until they are 4’9" tall and weigh 80 to 100 pounds.
Only mothers should massage their babies.
It is encouraged that all caregivers, parents or grandparents learn to massage their babies. Massage is a great way for fathers/male caregivers to bond with their infants.