MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The responsibility that comes with kids can be the most demanding thing many adults face.
“Your child has to come before yourself. If you are not prepared to have your child come first and foremost in life, then some people maybe aren’t meant to be parents,” said Elizabeth Kurdilla, as she played with her 1-year-old nephew at Overton Park.
One of the toughest areas is how to discipline kids.
“I would rather talk to them. If they act bad, I will spank them, but other than that, I would not suffer my child under punishment,” said Tiffany Scott, a mother of four.
There is a line between discipline and abuse.
There have been plenty of tragic cases of parents going overboard.
It’s why there have been so many efforts to reach parents before they reach the tipping point.
Centers like Porter Leath focus on teaching parenting skills.
The Family Exchange Club offers therapy to parents and kids.
Making help available is key.
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is on the front end of children’s health.
When kids end up there, it can be for a variety of reasons.
The staff watches out for any unusual injuries.
The Chief of Emergency says it doesn’t take long for kids to get into trouble, when parents let down their guard, like running into a store and leaving kids in a hot car.
“The temperature rises very quickly inside. Children are not able to tolerate that well,” said Dr. Barry Gilmore, Chief of Emergency Services at Le Bonheur.
He says it’s also a danger leaving children around water unsupervised.
“Smaller kids it is less likely that they can get themselves up and out of a situation,” said Gilmore.
There is a lot to remember, but there is help to protect what’s so precious.
“They are children. They are going to do things that they shouldn’t. They are going to be bad. They are going to have ups and downs. They are learning and maturing from kids to adults,” said Kurdilla.
The City of Memphis’ new parenting centers are also places for parents to turn for help, in what may be one the toughest jobs they face.
