Sometimes, otherwise loving parents reach the end of their ability to cope with parenting, and the result can be disastrous.
When you are struggling to make ends meet, or stressed out — about work or lack of work, about an abusive relationship or the lack of a relationship — it can be very hard to have the patience to soothe and comfort a screaming baby. Parents, especially those who live in poverty or come from a history of abuse, don't always have the resources and support they need to weather these crisis situations without lashing out at their helpless child.
That's where the Child Crisis Center of Southern New Mexico comes in.
With no charge, with no proof of income requirement, with no presumption that a crime has been committed, with no inquiry about your immigration status, the volunteers at this facility will intervene.
All you have to do is ask.
Not only will they accept and care for your child for a period of hours or days, providing food, clothing, diapers and love, they will even come to you.
If you can gently put down your child in his crib, and let him cry there while you call for help, volunteers will come and pick him up, or help you calm down.
Whatever the crisis, whether it's homelessness, illness, a job situation or an emergency, help and support is there, even for those with nowhere else to turn.
Why am I telling you all this?
Because with the opening of Tutti Bambini Boutique, we have the opportunity to support this worthy effort. By purchasing the gently-used baby items there — or donating your own unneeded items, in good condition — you can contribute to a team and facility that helps save families from a terrible fate. Child abuse is a devastating but preventable ill of society, and the people striving to prevent it deserve our support and praise.
Please join me in sharing information about the crisis center and the other resources for parents, like the ParenTalk warmline, KidTalk and the Family Pride Crisis Nursery. Mention them to the parents of young children that you know — bring it up casually, long before they might need it. These resources could make a world of difference for a family you love.
Help is available
Report abuse or neglect to the Children, Youth and Families Department at (800) 797-3260
Need someone to listen? Call La Piñon free, local ParenTalk "warmline" for parents and caregivers at (575) 636-3133 or KidTalk (575) 636-3636
In crisis? Call the Child Crisis Center of Southern New Mexico at (575) 636-3133 or the Family Pride Crisis Nursery at (575) 932-8946 to temporarily place your child at no cost.
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