When Babies Cry…We C.O.P.E.
To meet our mission of preventing child abuse, we developed our “When Babies Cry… We C.O.P.E.” prevention education curriculum. As crying is the #1 trigger for Shaken Baby Syndrome and other forms of child physical abuse, our evidence-informed curriculum provides tools to C.O.P.E. with crying or life stressors.
C.O.P.E. is an acronym that stands for: Crying. Overwhelmed. Pause. Exit.
Each step in the C.O.P.E. Strategy plays a crucial role in effectively processing and coping with emotions. Each step contributes to achieving a calmer state of mind and prevents impulsive reactions. The goal of emotional processing and coping is not about achieving happiness but rather about managing emotions in a way that prevents resorting to violence or harmful behaviors. The C.O.P.E. Strategy must be practiced regularly and consistently, reinforcing its principles until they become ingrained habits. Consistent application enhances emotional resilience and strengthens coping skills.
Research by Dr. Mark Dias has shown that providing SBS prevention education and teaching current and future caregivers how to C.O.P.E. with a crying baby, reduces the incidence of SBS by up to 47%.
Our evidence-informed curriculum, “When Babies Cry… We C.O.P.E.,” is designed to reach and teach new parents, caregivers, high school students, community members, and professionals. It addresses individual, familial, and community risk factors associated with a higher incidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome and other forms of child abuse. Our C.O.P.E. Child Abuse Prevention Education Curriculum is relevant to everyone, connecting them to the bigger picture and allowing them to apply learned skills to their everyday lives. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants will be active participants in their learning and gain skills to C.O.P.E. with a crying baby and other life stressors.
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
- Define Shaken Baby Syndrome.
- List the long-term effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
- State the physiological causes of crying, its frequency, and possible resolutions.
- Name the four components of the C.O.P.E. acronym, a strategy for practicing emotional regulation when feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.
Participants will leave the presentation with a personalized Crying Plan that includes coping strategies and identifies their support system and resources. They will be encouraged to sign a Letter of Promise to protect the infant or child in their care. Dr. Dias’ research has identified this Letter of Promise as a key component in preventing child physical abuse.
The “When Babies Cry… We C.O.P.E.” program is designed for delivery in schools, communities, and hospital/medical care systems for new parents. We aim to provide everyone with the education, resources, and support needed to navigate the journey of caring for children and managing life’s challenges. Through our program, we seek to empower individuals to manage their emotions in healthy ways and reduce instances of child physical abuse and violence.
For booking a presentation, requesting a community information table, or ordering C.O.P.E. materials please contact us at info@shakenbaby.org or call 817-882-8686. We look forward to assisting you.