April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the role we all play in creating safe and supportive environments for children.

As parents, guardians and caregivers, we are our children's first teachers. Every action we take, every word we say and every choice we make is a lesson to the young eyes watching us. Children absorb behaviors, attitudes and social skills by observing the adults in their lives. The question is: What are they learning from you?

Children develop their sense of right and wrong, their approach to relationships and their ability to handle emotions by watching how we interact with them and others. Our everyday actions shape their understanding of kindness, respect, conflict resolution and empathy. Even in moments of frustration, we have opportunities to model patience, self-control and effective........

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