Children are an important investment. Before we know it, the people we call kids today will be the ones running the world, making decisions that greatly impact our lives, rather than the other way around.
That’s why it’s important to protect that investment, and the folks at New Hampshire Children’s Trust know all about that.
The organization works to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy family activities and lifestyles in the community.
“When you support families and reduce the stress they’re having, they’re less likely to abuse and neglect the child,” said Keryn Bernard-Kriegl, executive director of the Children’s Trust.
For this year’s holiday season, the Children’s Trust has come up with 10 gift ideas that you can give to someone in your life who could use some help – the Children’s Trust does not directly distribute items to those in need but directs people toward the resources they need.
The following gift ideas are things you could do for a friend or family member in need of a helping hand.
Time
Arms
Groceries
Diapers
Museum gift pass
Gas
Library trip
Home-cooked meal
Family resource center visit
Encouraging words
“Mainly what we are interested in is creating caring communities,” Bernard-Kriegl said. “When those things exist, children are less likely to be abused.”
This initiative is about you thinking about people in your own life who may be dealing with some stress or hardship at home. If you help them with one of the items listed here, you’ll be doing them a greater service than you know, Bernard-Kriegl said.
“Especially families with young children, it can be very stressful and hectic, so having people who are doing better support families really makes a huge difference.”
For instance, if you’re going to the grocery store, call your neighbor and ask if they need anything. Or, next time you’re getting gas, run inside and get a gift card to give to a teenage niece or nephew to take some stress off their parents.
The bottom line is that the Children’s Trust wants to see happy families, and all of us can help.
For more info, go to nhchildrenstrust.org.
