With the kids home more than usual these days, it might be the perfect time for you to go over the important ‘drills’. Tornado and fire drills at home are important to give kids the confidence and courage during a stressful situation. So, why not try to take the same idea when it comes to protecting their bodies?
Unfortunately, the statistics about child sexual abuse are too scary to ignore.
Jennifer Boub, from Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, says, “Over 90% of the time children are abused by someone they trust and sometimes love…”
Body Protection Drill
Talking to kids about protecting their body can be easy and conversational. And, it doesn’t need to be a “drill” (although that could help with the reminder!). It can be small, simple, frequent conversations.
Boub says children are most protected from sexual abuse when:
- They have at least 1 trusted adult they know they can talk to.
- They have adults in their life that model and teach them respect for their own boundaries and the boundaries of others (like not making a child hug someone or try to help them identify someone who doesn’t want a hug).
- They are taught developmentally appropriate information about their bodies, including the real names for all their body parts.
Books
Need help starting these conversations? Get a book!
The Bare Naked Book, My Body Belongs To Me, Do you have a secret? are just a few examples of good books to try to start and keep these conversations going. Also, any book that teaches emotions/ feelings is good, too.
Start the conversation and be open to answering your kids questions!
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(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on FACEBOOK. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyKFGO . Follow JJ on Twitter @JJGodon701)
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