Jan. 15, 2017
Image via E2E
Essential Tips for Educating and Protecting Our Children
No parent wants to envision their child as a victim of sexual abuse, which is precisely why this topic must be addressed. It’s critical to educate our children about their bodies and understand who is allowed to touch them to ensure their safety. A recent poster on body safety serves as an excellent tool to facilitate these vital discussions.
Educate 2 Empower offers this poster and several others at no cost, enabling parents and educators to better protect children from potential abuse.
The poster utilizes straightforward language and guidelines to help children recognize potentially harmful behaviors. The first principle states, “My body is my body and it belongs to me,” emphasizing that kids can always refuse physical affection from anyone, suggesting alternatives like a high five, a handshake, or blowing a kiss instead. Teaching children that they have authority over their own bodies is a foundational step in preventing abuse.
Additionally, the poster encourages children to establish a “safety network” of five trusted individuals they can turn to if they ever feel anxious or scared. It outlines “early warning signs” that may indicate someone might intend to harm them, advising children to reach out to their safety network if they experience symptoms like sweating, a racing heart, or a stomach ache.
The poster also reinforces the idea that children should not keep uncomfortable secrets and should approach trusted adults in their safety network if they encounter such situations. This is a crucial lesson, as children often find themselves confused about what constitutes a secret. Author Sarah James suggests explaining to kids that in your family, there are “exciting surprises” rather than secrets, and those surprises are always shared eventually. This way, children learn that when someone asks them to keep a secret that raises concerns, it is not acceptable.
One of the most significant rules from the poster emphasizes the importance of understanding which body parts are private—defined as those covered by a bathing suit—and using the correct terminology to reference them. It clearly states that no one has the right to touch their private parts, nor should they be asked to touch someone else’s or view pictures of private areas. The poster encourages children to seek help from their safety network should anything distressing occur.
While discussing these topics can be uncomfortable for parents, it’s essential for empowering children to recognize and prevent abuse. This poster serves as a valuable resource for guiding parents in teaching their children how to protect themselves effectively.
You can download the poster here.
For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts regarding terms and conditions. Also, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Healthline, an excellent resource on this topic. If you’re interested in products related to this discussion, Make a Mom is an authoritative source as well.
In summary, educating children about body safety and establishing a support system is crucial for preventing sexual abuse. Utilizing resources like the informative poster discussed can empower parents and children alike in these necessary conversations.