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Nancy Solomon
Phone: 314.977.8017
solomonn@slu.edu

December 17, 2003

ST. LOUIS -- The holidays usually are an extra busy time for Timothy Kutz, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. As director of child protection for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Dr. Kutz generally sees an increase in the number of child abuse cases.

"Ten years of experience has taught me to brace myself for the holidays," says Kutz, a pediatrician.

Last year, for example, 28 child abuse cases were reported in December at Cardinal Glennon, well beyond the year's average of 21.3 cases per month.

The stresses of the holiday season particularly take their toll on those who have problems controlling their tempers. The weather turns gray and nasty, which gives families a bad case of cabin fever and cuts employment opportunities for those who work outdoors.

"Instead of having a jolly holiday, it's 'How am I going to pay for my kids' presents?'" Kutz says. "Part of it also is trying to do too much in a limited period of time. And drinking also can play a role in child abuse."

While it's unrealistic to believe all child abuse can be eliminated, Kutz says there are some practical strategies parents can follow to reduce the likelihood that they will harm their children this time year.

1. Use common sense to determine how many "extras" really need to be done during the holidays. Don't attend every holiday party, do lots of extra cooking, baking and decorating, mail cards and spend days shopping for perfect presents if the demands of caring for a child already are leaving you feeling stressed.



2. Stick within a budget and spend what you can afford on gifts. Pass on buying your child the extra-expensive gift he is requesting in favor of something else he wants that is within your means.



3. Try to get out, even if the weather is cold and gloomy. A change of scenery can prevent you from feeling so boxed in.



4. Know your personal limitations. Some people can't handle the incessant crying of a colicky newborn but are fine dealing with a pre-schooler's non-stop questions.



5. Talk to your spouse about the potential for child abuse. Make the topic a legitimate part of your communications. Don't be afraid to ask for a break from caring for the children, and conversely, be willing to take over childcare responsibilities if your partner needs some time away.



6. Recognize when you're about to lose your cool and do something about it. Make sure your child is in a safe place and leave the room. Counting to 10 is another way to cool off.

"It's a matter of controlling anger and rage and avoiding situations that make you so angry," Kutz says.

Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first M.D. degree west of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University School of Medicine is a pioneer in geriatric medicine, organ transplantation, chronic disease prevention, cardiovascular disease, neurosciences and vaccine research, among others. The School of Medicine trains physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health services on a local, national and international level.

SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital is a 190-bed, not-for-profit, pediatric medical center. Established in 1956, Cardinal Glennon is home to experts in pediatric cardiology, trauma, neonatology, rehabilitation, critical care, pulmonology, transplantation, hematology/oncology, emergency services, sleep disorders and more. Cardinal Glennon is affiliated with the Saint Louis University Schools of Medicine, Nursing and nine other educational institutions, and is a member of SSM Health Care, the nation's first health care winner of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

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