It’s no secret that the winter holidays can be very stressful for families. Families feel pressure to spend too much, eat and drink too much and pack more activities into their days than they have time or energy for. The nation’s troubled economy and the local epidemic of home foreclosures only makes matters worse.

Stress may in fact contribute to an increase in child and domestic abuse cases that Sacramento County often sees during the holidays. According to statistics compiled by the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento (CAPC), the Sacramento Police Department’s Crime Analysis Unit recorded a nine percent increase in domestic violence and child abuse crimes reported from November to December 2007.

CPS workers answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week from community residents concerned that a family they know is unable to take care of their children or to keep them safe. In November and December, we expect that workers will answer around 4770 calls each month from the CPS Child Abuse Hotline, and assess 1590 reports of abuse or neglect.

If you or a family you know is at the breaking point, here are a few tips from the Child Abuse Prevention Council:

Keep it simple. Don’t over-commit yourself or your family. Remember what children really want is to spend time with you.

Put Santa on a budget. In our materialistic culture, it’s easy for parents to feel inadequate if they are struggling to make ends meet. Don’t buy gifts you can’t afford. Emphasize the act of giving, not the gift.

Change what you can. Decide what activities are important for you and let the others go. Having too much to do is a major cause of holiday stress.

Surround yourself and your children with safe, supportive people. Unhappy memories of past seasons sometimes resurface during the holidays. Being with loved ones can provide strength and nurturing during difficult times.

Set differences aside. No one is perfect. Accept family members and friends as they are.

Stay positive. Encourage positive family interactions like playing games, wrapping gifts and baking.

Take good care of yourself and your family. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods and avoid alcohol or drugs.

Share the care. Reach out to family and friends if you are feeling stressed and need a break.

Above all, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Below are phone numbers to public resources available to children and families:

Sacramento Info & Referral Service 498-1000

Parent Support Hotline 888-281-3000

Sacramento Crisis Nursery 679-3600

Birth and Beyond 679-3925

Diogenes Youth Services Hotline 1-800-339-7177

California Youth Crisis Line 1-800-843-5200

Minor Emergency Mental Health Response Team 875-1113

Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) 920-2952

Suicide Prevention 368-3111

Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center 875-1000

Alcoholics Anonymous 454-1100

Narcotics Anonymous 800-600-HOPE (800-600-4673)

CPS Child Abuse Hotline 875-KIDS (875-5437)

Police/Sheriff Emergencies 911

Information provided as a public service by Sacramento County Child Protective Services. For more information on county human services, visit www.sacdhhs.com. Your browser may not support display of this image.