Child Abuse in Trusted Places

The recent news of an even deeper scandal involving a major religious institution in our world is plain awful.

As a parent with young children,  it is troubling to consider the statistics surrounding child abuse within what is  considered seemingly safe adult relationships. It seems no place is untouched by evil.  It can be a fear ridden time to parent well with the current state of our world.

However one thing that helps lessen my fear is the open and honest communication I have with my children. Regardless of their age, by being open and honest with my children about their needs, their body parts and body safety, I significantly decrease the chance for them to be taken advantage of.   

Research shows that the more vocal parents are about teaching their children in ongoing conversations about their private/personal parts and body safety,  the better the chance a child will have to be able to stand up to unwanted sexual encounters. I also know that creating safety in my home where children can ask for what they need and be seen plays a major part in the role of healthy child development and staying safe in any relationship as well.

So instead of giving way to fear about all the tragic things that people in this world do, I am going to use the energy I would spend worrying towards promoting education within my home around body safety.  Will you consider joining me?

For some great ideas on how to start, along with a list of resources check out this previous blog entry. 

— Susan Stutzman, LCPC, RPT