The day children receive their report cards can be a proud day. It can also be a day met with dread. This past December, Jama Pediatrics released a study reporting a nearly fourfold increase of verified child physical abuse reports on the Saturday after a Friday report card release. The study was based on data collected throughout a single academic year in Florida and focused on children from 5 to 11 years old. Researchers counted agency-verified incidents of child physical abuse by county,1943 cases of abuse in total. When report cards were released Monday through Thursday, there was no association with increased child physical abuse that day or the following day. The increase was very evident, however, when report cards were released on Fridays. The study suggests that by altering report card distribution dates school systems can help prevent some child abuse.

Still, ultimate responsibility resides with parents, and parents should not overreact to a less than stellar report card. Certainly, physical punishment should be avoided. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently advised parents that they should not spank their children because it is harmful and ineffective. In fact, it may affect normal brain development. So, how can you respond to a bad report card? Here are some links that may help you:

Will YOU Join us at Montgomery County's Sweetest Ride?

The Tree House Tour de Cookie is an exciting, fun-filled, and delicious bike ride from one cookie stand to the next. Choose among four different routes, including a scenic NEW Extended Short route, with distances ranging from 12 to 43 miles. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of child abuse prevention and promote the free services offered by The Tree House Child Advocacy Center, services that provide hope and healing to sexually abused, physically abused and neglected children. All proceeds of the Tree House Tour de Cookie benefit The Tree House CAC, enabling us to better serve our clients. It is a wonderful occasion during which individuals, families, and groups can enjoy a day of fun, festivities, philanthropy, and COOKIES!

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If the tour is filled up and you are still interested in attending, email us at contact@treehousemd.org.