We can protect kids.
One day at a time
The YMCA of Central New York is participating in the Five Days of Action, October 26-30, 2020. The Five Days of Action is a week designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.
The YMCA of Central New York encourages adults and organizations in the community to play a vital role in making the Greater Syracuse area a safer place for children, especially during this ever-changing environment. As our communities continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we know that protecting kids looks different this year. Not only is our community dealing with a pandemic that is separating kids in need from the safe adults in their lives, but there are spikes in domestic violence, cries for social justice for people of color, and more concerns about the mental health of youth and adults.
Five Days of Action will help communities and parents/caregivers take it One Day at a Time and will offer tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment.
Join in on the Five Days of Action and help create a safer world for the children in your life. We know things are a little different right now, but we can still keep kids safe - One Day at a Time.
Stay tuned as we'll be updating this page with new resources every day during the 5 Days of Action week.
Day 1:
CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS
Are your kids spending more time online or in front of a screen? Take time today to talk to your kids about the joys and dangers of the internet. Find tips for starting the conversation here:
Day 2:
MINIMIZE OPPORTUNITY
We’re all taking things one day at a time. With changes to your regular routines, are you looking for ways to keep your kids busy and safe at the same time? Check out a sample daily calendar of activities here:
- Keep Kids Safe & Busy Sample Activities (English)
- Mantenga A Los Niños A Salvo Y Ocupados Modelos De Actividades (Español)
Day 3:
BE THE SAFE ADULT
Safe adults are the ones kids know they can trust if they need help. Learn more about what it means to be the safe adult in your child’s life, and use these worksheets to help your kids recognize safe adults:
FAMILY CODE OF CONDUCT
Take some time today to ask, “How are you feeling?” These honest, on-going conversations with kids strengthen bonds. Fill out the Family Code of Conduct worksheet together as a family. You don’t have to fill it out all at once - take it One Day at a Time.
Day 4:
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
You’re not alone. There are services available that can help if you’re in need. Check out some helpful resources in our area:
IDENTIFYING SIGNS OF ABUSE
Kids’ behavior can help you understand how they’re feeling, even when they can’t tell you. Learn more about the signs of abuse and how to recognize them:
Day 5:
PROTECT THE CHILDREN IN YOUR LIFE
By talking with other adults and our kids, we are setting expectations for everyone about what keeping kids safe means. This helps us all be prepared to protect kids under any circumstances. Want to learn more? Take the Protecting Children During a Crisis training at no charge: