Discussing the topic of abuse can be a very awkward and tough conversation to have. But with the prevalence in today’s society, it is something you cannot be passive about as a parent. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 67 percent of all sexual assault victims are children. The person most likely to abuse your child is a person your child knows…and trusts. The sex offender looks for a child who trusts him and can be convinced to stay quiet about inappropriate physical contact. It could be a family member, close relative, neighbor, or trusted youth worker. Here are some practical ways to discuss this topic with your kids.
1. Establish a time to sit down and have this discussion.
2. Explain to your child that the body was designed uniquely by God, but that some parts are private
3. Point out which parts of your child’s anatomy are private. If you have a younger child, consider discussing this during their bath time. You can also have your child dress in a bathing suit and show them that all areas covered by a bathing suit are “private.”
4. Let your child know that they must tell you if anyone touches them in the private areas – no matter who the person is, or what the person says to them. Assure your child that they will not be in trouble if they tell you they’ve been touched inappropriately; rather, you will be proud of them, and help them through the situation.
As parents, we can never rule out the possibility that our children will be abused. There are too many external forces that are out of our control. Parents can be proactive by walking their child through this conversation with truth and love. Getting past the awkwardness or desire to simply not have this conversation with your child can save them, and you, a lifetime of pain.
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