April was Child Abuse Prevention Month which brought up a lot of conversations about family support that we could benefit from continuing.

Instead of focusing on the stereotypical and assumed ways to prevent child abuse and neglect, Benita takes a look at some important aspects that contribute to families that experience abuse or neglect: Lack of support and connection. Protective factors are a thing, which means that the things that contribute to child maltreatment are much deeper than the idea that parents who abuse or neglect are inherently evil. The reality is that parents are human and experience overwhelm. Without adequate support, knowledge, and connection, their children are more likely to be affected.

So let's talk about some ways parents can be more intentional about building a village. Not just to "prevent child abuse" but simply because we ALL deserve to be around and loved on by OUR people.