Parenting: minding children's safety even at school

Most working parents tend to take their children to day care centers because they are comfortable knowing that their little ones are in good hands given their busy schedules.

But has it ever crossed parents' minds that somehow their children may not be safe in that day care center.

Justine Nalule, a secretary and single mother of three says she thought her children were safe in a day care centre than being kept home by a maid. This is until she witnessed bruises on her last born's body which she did not take serious.

"At first I thought it were the usual bruises children get while playing but as time went by I began to suspect that my child was being mistreated much as he would not talk," explains Nalule.

Grace Katamba, a caretaker at Glory Kindergarten says children need a lot of care, love and patience. If one lacks any of that you find that they end up mistreating them. 

"Caretakers only have to take time understanding and studying the children they are looking after," she says.

What lends to child abuse?

Rehema Kyampire, a director at Little Royal Kindergarten and Day Care says a person has to have passion when it comes to taking care of children. If one is doing it for the sake it will be hard for them hence mistreating the children. A care taker without a motherly element is not fit to look after children. 

"If you love children there is no way you can starve or mistreat them," says Kyampire.

Maria Bawubya, also a director of Wava nursery school and day care says lack of professional skilled personel leads to child abuse. A skilled care taker should have knowledge, emotion and physical aspects for children easy handling.

How to detect child abuse

Dr. Sabrina Kita, a peadiatrician says some children are too young to reveal what happened to them, and it is also tricky for a parent to find out if their children are going through a harsh condition.

However, she adds that just a look at their physical symptoms and behaviors a parent can prove their instincts.

She says a child withdraws and they are afraid of going to school by clinging on their parents and sometimes cry when being dropped at school.

"A child may lose appetite, they get troubles in sleeping and if they sleep in most cases they get nightmares. Some even stop communicating or become less talkative," she explains.

A child can have burns, bruises on their bodies and rips on the mouth if they are forced to eat. Some have bump on their heads resulting from being beaten. 

Kita adds that some lose weight because they are poorly fed.

What can be done?

Before employing a caretaker, a checkup on their back ground should be done because people have frustrated life.

Kita notes that a person in such a condition can easily harm a child, interviewing them is also crucial

She explains that caretakers should at least be in charge of 12 children unlike in some daycares where one person is supported to look after over 35 children who are below 5 years, which is too much for a person.

She adds that daycare centers should have CCTV cameras to monitor the places. 

However, the owner of the institute should also take measures to see that children are well looked after by physically being present and engaging with the children.