10 TIPS TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN FOR THEIR PROTECTION & PREVENTION

1. START YOUNG- let your children know their bodies are special and belong to them. (You can relate taking care of their body nutritionally, cleanliness, physically – along with private parts, safe and unsafe touching.)

2. TEACH ALL CHILDREN- proper names for body parts. Be as comfortable as possible – don’t send the message that it is wrong to talk about their private parts. PLEASE NOTE - if they ever have to make an abuse report, it will be easier for the authorities to understand what occurred.

3. TALK ABOUT FEELINGS WITH TOUCHES – and how the touches make them feel. Explain the difference between feeling safe and comfortable; warm, cozy, special, loved and feeling of an unsafe touch: awkward, nervous, scary, confusing, sad, and mad, etc. Directly say to kids – “if ANYONE touches you and you are confused by it, always report it to an adult to help you understand it. BE BRAVE AND REPORT IT TO ADULTS UNTIL SOMEONE LISTENS”  “Come on along to FEELINGS EMOTIONS AND INSTINCTS” can be found @ www.Art4aPurpose.Org

4. TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TATTLING and REPORTING. Reporting is not tattling.  YOU NEED TO REPORT to a trusted adult when you feel uncomfortable – because of safety for your child  or others

5. EMPOWER YOUR CHILDREN – so they know their bodies belong to them. It’s ok if they do not want to give someone a hug, they can politely say, “no thank you”. Forcing a hug or kiss can confuse the child should another adult “FORCE” their will on them.  Respect children’s boundaries and encourage them.

6. TEACH CHILDREN HOW SPECIAL THEIR BODIES ARE- and they have the RIGHT to keep them safe. My Body is Special and Belongs to Me! Can be found @ www.kidsafefoundation.org/products

7. TEACH CHILDREN EVERYBODYS PRIVATE PARTS ARE PRIVIATE – Nobody should look, touch, take a picture of their privates and they shouldn’t look or touch anyone else’s. Let them know if it happened to them, IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT! Encourage them to let you know, so you can report it to make others SAFE so NOBODY ELSE CAN GET HURT. 

8. TEACH THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD & BAD SECRETS – A GOOD SECRET has a time limit and will be told later.  Give an example of a surprise and talk about the FEELINGS of a good secret: exciting, happy, funny…  A BAD SECRET has no time limit – and never wants told.  Give an example of how the child might feel: scared, uncomfortable, afraid of being in trouble. Explain how a person could bribe or threaten the child into silence, with no end in sight.  Let your child know if they ever have those kinds of feelings, it’s important to report them to a trusted adult.

9. LET YOUR CHILDREN KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR THEM – ready to listen- no matter how bad it might seem.  REASSURE THEM you will be able to handle it and get the help that is needed. (This is important for sexual abuse, bullying, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, etc.) RENFORSE - it is NEVER their fault if this happens to them.

10.  TELL YOUR CHILDREN HOW PROUD YOU ARE OF THEM FOR LISTENING – and ENCOURAGE THEM to let you know of any safety concern, confusion by a touch, unsure of what someone said, or even a secret they were asked to keep.  TELL THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN that you are always there to help, NO MATTER WHO they want to talk about.  

Additional IMPORTANT TIPS

Here are ten things

you can do to help your child

have a safer school year:

(the following is from LATE NIGHT PARENTS)

Myth #1: Knowing about “stranger danger” will save my child.

Teaching stranger danger is important, but strangers account for less than one-tenth of child sexual abuse. The other 90% of child sexual abusers are people that a child already knows and loves. That’s why experts encourage parents to start early: teach your children good communication skills, strong body boundaries, and the importance of reporting crimes and suspicious behavior.

Myth #2: Women don’t abuse kids.

Yes, women do sexually abuse kids. While women are far less likely to abuse than men, law enforcement has stepped up and is prosecuting more women who target children. As a result, more female predators are spending time behind bars. Our society has also been much better at fighting harmful stereotypes that say women should “break in” young boys or that male victims of sexual abuse by women enjoy the abuse.

Myth #3: Children can’t sexually abuse other kids.

The J has opened the public’s eyes to the harm that predatory children can cause. Bullying experts are also educating parents about how bullying can escalate into child-on-child sexual abuse. The best way to help your children is to ensure that your school follows strong anti-bullying policies and that you talk to your children openly about the problem.

Myth #4: It’s okay to make young children hug and kids adults, even if they don’t really like it.

When we force a toddler to hug or kiss someone when he does not want to (even if it’s Grandma), we are telling the child that he is not in control over who touches his body. We are also telling the child that he should not say no an adult who may want to touch him in sexual ways.  Don’t worry about hurting Grandma’s feelings. Instead, teach your young children to shake hands, make eye contact, and say hello. That way, they learn respect—not only for Grandma, but also for their own bodies. And if you’re honest with Grandma, she’ll understand.

Myth #5: It’s embarrassing to hear children say words like “vagina.” It’s fine if they don’t learn the real names of their genitalia until they are older.

Yes, it can be embarrassing hear words like “penis” and “vagina” from a child. But children believe that only silly things are called by silly names. By using the proper names for body parts, you are telling your child that their genitals are important, should be respected, and are not silly or shameful. Proper name usage will also discourage predators who want to blur sexual boundaries by minimizing the important of a child’s genitals. And if—heaven forbid—something does happen to your child, he or she will be able to properly explain what happened by using correct language that law enforcement and prosecutors can use to punish predators.

Myth #6: Children lie about abuse to get attention.

If a child comes to you to report what they have seen, experienced, or suspected abuse, immediately call 911 or your local social services hotline. It’s not your job to investigate abuse or establish the credibility of victims or witnesses. It’s very hard for a child to come forward. Don’t make it worse by doubting him or her.

Myth #7: I checked the sex abuse registry, so my kid is safe. According to Darkness to Light, less than one-tenth of victims ever report to the police. Even if a child sex predator is prosecuted, there is no guarantee that the predator will show up on your local registry. Check out the registry, but take the next step and empower yourself and your children against all predators.

Myth #8: I don’t need to monitor my child’s phone/tablet/computer/Xbox. I trust him/her. Monitoring your child’s Internet-enabled devices is not a matter of trust. It’s a matter of safety. Predators are cunning and use all kinds of manipulation to earn entrance into your child’s world. Keeping an eye on texts, chats, photos, email and social media is the best way to make sure that a predator is not targeting your child. It’s also a great way for you to make sure that your child is not a target or aggressor in cyber-bullying.

Myth #9: Children don’t need to know about sexual abuse.

Victims of child sexual abuse will usually disclose their abuse to their closest friends: other children. You do not need to go into explicit detail with your child about sex or abuse. But you do need to tell your children that if a friend comes to them and talks about abuse, they should come to you—the parent—immediately.

Myth #10: The justice system will be more traumatizing to my child than the actual abuse.

Law enforcement wants two things: to put predators behind bars and to protect young victims of abuse. That’s why there are special programs across the country where police, prosecutors, and social workers come together to create safe, child-friendly victim interview procedures. The interviews, which are recorded so that the child is only interviewed once, are conducted by specially trained forensic specialists who understand children and who create a natural environment where children can speak safely.

Social workers also closely engage with the victim and non-offending family members to make sure that the victim and the entire family gets therapy, services, and continuing care.

A former journalist, educator, and public relations professional, Joelle Casteix has taken her own experience as a victim of child sex crimes and devoted her career to exposing abuse, advocating on behalf of survivors and spreading abuse prevention strategies for parents and communities. She has presented to hundreds of audiences all over the world, including on the TEDx stage, on subjects such as abuse prevention, victim outreach, victims’ rights in the civil justice system, and parenting safer children. She is a regular speaker for the National Center for Victims of Crime, the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma and The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

LATE NIGHT PARENTS

DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Please note - we do not filter or judge others websites.  When looking for this topic - PLEASE - discretion is highly advised, for both you and every member of your family!  We have scoured the internet to find you, what we believe to be the best sources - as listed on this page.

 

WHAT TO DO

The more TEACH YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILD - the risk of ABUSE WILL GO DOWN! 

·       Do a sex offender search in your area – it’s free online. Don’t let this scare you and don’t focus only on registered offenders. Offenders will have multiple victims before they are caught so you need to stay vigilant with everyone.  Recognize the warning signs of sexual abuse and know the resources in your area should you ever need them.

·       React responsibly and try to stay calm if your child discloses. Many times, children will only disclose a little tiny bit to see what the reaction will be from their safe person.

·       Do not ask for any in-depth details and do not ask any leading questions. The best bet is to listen, be supportive, and see if you can get the “minimal facts” – who, what, where, and when. Leave the rest to the professionals.

·       Call Law Enforcement immediately after getting the minimal information your child discloses. 

http://www.legitchics.com/2017/03/02/10-ways-teach-child-body-safety-preventing-sexual-abuse/

Need More Information on ways to talk to your children about Sexual Abuse? 

Tips on Preventing Child Abuse by Patty Onderko

NEW YORK PRESS, My body belongs to ME

TIME Magazine on childhood, Gender and abuse 

Safe Kids Worldwide

Sandra Kim - Feb 6, 2014

Late Night Parents

Darkness to light

Please note - we do not filter or judge others websites.  When looking for this topic - PLEASE - discretion is highly advised, for both you and every member of your family!  We have scoured the internet to find you, what we believe to be the best sources - as listed on this page.  The best action is to be prepared - so please - KEEP LOOKING!  Your child is worth - whatever it takes!