Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Predators

How to Greatly Reduce Your Child's Chance of Becoming a Target

Sexual predators live in your neighborhood. It is a very sad truth that there are men (and some women) who abuse children. It is a parent's worst nightmare to think their child could potentially become a victim of a sexual predator. Even more chilling, is the fact that sexual predators are often the last people the community would expect. A soccer coach, a trusted relative, even a member of the clergy. It used to be that people felt sexual predators were the scary man in the trench coat offering candy to kids on the school yard, but that is simply not the case. Unfortunately, there are sick people in every walk of life. However, you don't have to feel powerless. There are ways you can keep your child safe from potentially becoming a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a sexual predator.

It is not as simple as just telling your child not to let anyone touch them in their bathing suit area. People have been telling their kids that for years, and yet, many children still become sexual abuse survivors. So, what do you do? Consider these tips.

The first thing you can do to protect your child from becoming a victim of a sexual predator is facilitate a home environment that is conducive to open, loving, non-punitive communication. In other words, if you scream at your preschooler for spilling milk, do you really think they are going to tell you if someone touches their genitals? Especially if the person is manipulating, shaming, or threatening them. In other words, you've got to do you part at home to create an environment for your child where they know they are able to tell you anything. Beginning from an early age, it is essential that you don't overreact when they do tell you something. I always thank my daughter for telling me something, even if she is "tattling". We don't discourage "tattling" in our home, because that is a tool a sexual predator may use to keep their victim quiet. If your child tells you something, you can say, "thank you for telling me that. You can tell me anything, honey!" Your child will know beginning from an early age that it is okay to talk to you about things that are uncomfortable or difficult.