As parents, it is our job to keep our children as safe and empowered as we can. And one of the most pervasive threats to their well being is sexual abuse and trauma.
Just like how we make sure our kids are buckled up in the car so that if we get in an accident they will be less injured, we can do things to help secure our children in case they experience abuse from an adult or another child.
I give this "talk" to anyone who watches my children when they are young and without me there. My family members, close friends, babysitters and teachers.
It helps to signal to any adult predators that I am watching and my kids have the language and tools to have a basic understanding if someone attempts to or sexually abuse them. I think of it as pedophile repellant.
While we can't guarantee that no one will ever harm our children in this way, we can warn predators and we can guarantee our children have the language to talk about it and the parents who will believe them if they do. Those are very power resources and can work in the prevention and the healing of childhood sexual abuse.
Discover evidence-based techniques for helping children process traumatic events in a healthy way, including encouraging them to tell their story and avoiding avoidance, with guidance from expert Dr. Dan Siegel and clinical experience.
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