Safe Childhoods Rotary Club

05/22/2026

Such an important reminder!

This year, 5 children have died in hot cars nationwide, with 3 incidents reported in the past two days, a tragic reminder that we can all take steps to help prevent hot car deaths. It only takes a few minutes for a car to heat up and become deadly to a child inside. As summer temperatures rise, more kids are at risk. It's never OK to leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute, and not even with the window cracked or the car running. To learn more about protecting kids from hot cars: https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/hot-cars

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05/18/2026

May is National Water Safety Month. Remember to never leave your child unattended around water!

• Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so it’s important to keep them within an arm’s reach of an adult.
• Empty tubs, buckets, containers and kids’ pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
• Close lids and doors. Keep toilet lids and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed when not in use.
• Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. It is important to know how to respond in an emergency without putting yourself at risk.

05/14/2026

This month, we celebrate the power of young people to lead, serve, and shape the future. 💙

At the Rotary Club of Safe Childhoods, we believe that when youth are empowered with support, mentorship, and opportunities to serve, entire communities grow stronger AND safer. From advocacy and education to acts of compassion and leadership, today’s young people are creating meaningful change every day.

Let’s continue investing in safe childhoods, positive role models, and spaces where every child can thrive. Together, we can inspire the next generation to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose.

04/18/2026

Happy Family Friday during the Week of the Young Child! Looking for fun, FREE ways to spend quality time together? Here are three simple ideas:

1. Visit your local library:
Explore books, storytime, or family activities. Building literacy skills isn’t just about fun; it’s also a powerful protective factor against child abuse, helping children develop confidence, communication, and connection. Also - ask your local library what else they offer. Many libraries have passes that you can check out for other area experiences like museums.

2. Get outside together:
Take a walk, visit a park, or have a backyard picnic. Fresh air and unstructured play help build trusting relationships between children and their trusted adults.

3. Create something as a family:
Draw, build, cook, or craft together using what you already have at home. Shared creativity strengthens relationships and gives children a sense of belonging.

Every moment you spend connecting with your child helps build a foundation of safety, trust, and resilience. 💛

04/16/2026

Today is Work Together Wednesday! This day highlights that every day positive experiences - consistent care, play, and supportive adults - build resilience and help protect children, especially those harmed by abuse or neglect.

Wondering what steps you can take to protect the children in your life? Together time can be as simple as playing, listening, and responding.

What do do:
🤍Set aside 15–30 minutes daily for focused, uninterrupted time with the child in your life.
🤍 Let the child lead the activity - playing, drawing, reading, or even just talking.
🤍Follow their cues: show interest, ask questions, mirror emotions, and offer comfort when needed.

Why it helps:
🤍Builds trusting relationships and emotional regulation.
🤍Creates predictable, nurturing experiences that increase resilience.
🤍Strengthens the protective buffer for children who may have experienced trauma or neglect.

Tip: Short on time? We get it! Try breaking the time into two 10–minute sessions, building in some “together time” during your morning commute or while you’re making dinner, etc.

04/14/2026

Today is Tasty Tuesday for NAEYC's .

We’re celebrating the power of learning life skills and the importance of spending time with safe, trusted adults in building resilience in children. These strong, supportive relationships help reduce the impact of abuse and neglect, empowering children to thrive and heal in instances where children have been harmed.

Here are two simple actions you can take in your own life:

🍳Be Present: Spend quality time with children by actively listening and offering encouragement. Whether it's helping with homework, playing a game, or cooking together, your involvement can build trust and resilience.

🍳Model Positive Life Skills: Demonstrate healthy coping strategies, problem-solving, and emotional regulation in your daily life. Children learn by observing adults, so showing them how to handle challenges can teach them to navigate their own struggles with confidence.

These simple actions can help create a nurturing environment that builds resilience and protects children from the long-term impacts of abuse and neglect.

04/13/2026

What a weekend! 💙

The Rotary Club of Safe Childhoods showed up in the best way at the District Conference—connecting, learning, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.

We’re proud of our members who represented our club so well:
✨ President-Elect Christina Malu
✨ Secretary-Elect Catie Hollis
✨ Henry Rochelle
✨ PDG Dawn Rochelle (serving as Master of Ceremonies for the entire event!)

From meaningful conversations to powerful moments of learning and plenty of laughter in between, this is what Rotary is all about—fellowship, growth, and shared purpose.

We come back energized, inspired, and even more committed to our mission of creating safe childhoods and stronger communities.

Here’s to showing up, leaning in, and doing good—together.

04/13/2026

Celebrating Week of the Young Child: Music Monday!

At the Rotary Club of Safe Childhoods, we believe in nurturing the potential of every child. Today, we highlight the incredible benefits of music for young minds.
Here are some positive impacts music can have on children:

🎶 Enhances Language Skills: Music helps develop early literacy and language abilities.
🎶 Boosts Creativity: Encourages imagination and creative expression through singing and dancing.
🎶 Improves Concentration: Supports cognitive development and focus.
🎶 Fosters Social Skills: Promotes interaction and teamwork through group music activities.
🎶 Emotional Intelligence: Helps children express and regulate emotions effectively.

Music can also be an incredible tool to help children with difficult transitions, especially in classrooms or other early learning environments. Smoother transitions and supporting children with their emotions is just one way to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.

Let's celebrate the joy of music with our young ones! Share your favorite children's songs or music activities with us in the comments.