CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS WEEK

Be sure to tell your ward that body secrets are not okay –  Note that predators will tell the child to keep the abuse a secret. They do this in a friendly way such as, “I love playing with you, but if you tell anyone else what we played, they won’t let me come over again.” It can be a threat: “This is our secret. If you tell anyone I will tell them it was your idea and you will get in big trouble.” Let your child that he or she cannot be bullied. No matter what anyone says, they should always tell daddy and mummy.

Tell your child that nobody is allowed to snap photos of their private parts – Most parents sometimes miss out on this vital information. There are a lot of sick pedophiles who take pleasure in snapping and trading pictures of naked children online. This evil epidemic actually puts your child at risk. So, tell your kids that no one should ever take photographs of their private parts.

Arm your child with knowledge on how to get out of uncomfortable situations – A number of kids don’t feel comfortable enough telling people “NO,” most especially older peers or adults. Get them to understand that it’s okay to tell an adult ‘no’ and that they can leave if something that feels wrong is happening. Give them words to get out of such uncomfortable situations by telling your child that if someone wants to see or touch his or her private parts, they can give the excuse of using the toilet to take their leave. 

Give a code word to your children to use when they feel unsafe or want to be picked up – As they get a little bit older, empower them with a code word  that they can use when they are feeling unsafe. That can come in handy at home when there are guests in the house, or when they are on a play date or a sleepover.

Explain to your child that a body touch might tickle or feel good – “Good touch and bad touch,” this can be confusing because these touches do not hurt or feel bad most times. It’s better to use the term “secret touch” as it is the best depiction of what may occur.

Tell your child that the above rules apply also to those people they know and including other children. It’s true the above may not absolutely stop sexual abuse but knowledge is a powerful deterrent especially with young ones who are prime victims due to their innocence and ignorance in this field. The abusers commit this heinous act against the more defenseless members of our society, and they tend to disguise themselves as harmless and caring people most times.

They interact with your kids as baby-sitters, house-helps, drivers, teachers, youth leaders, Pastors, Alfas, doctors, nurses, neigbours, friends, relatives and have a common trait, their ability to earn the trust and love of the victims they attack. Try finding natural time to sink these messages home such as bath time or when they are running around naked.

Spend time with your children where they can have your undivided attention, and let them know that they can ask you any question. This can help to make warning signs of child sexual abuse more obvious including, helping the kid feel at ease coming to you if something is wrong. Please when these children come to you, follow through on your promise and avoid punishing them when they speak up; instead, take actions to protect your child. Never too late to start talking around these topics just in case you are yet to give it a shot.