General Child Safety for Parents

Straight talk with children works best when discussing the serious topic of personal safety. Do not rely completely on puppets, coloring books, gimmicks and cartoon characters.

• Instill in your children a sense of self-worth and dignity at every opportunity.
  
  
• Teach your children basic sex education (i.e., the areas of the body that are covered by a bathing suit are private).
  
  
• Establish that inappropriate touches are against the law. This gives your children confidence to assert themselves with those who try to abuse them.
  
  
• Allow children to express affection on their terms. Do not instruct them to give kisses or hugs to people they do not know well.
  
  
• Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving another adult.
  
  
• Explain the importance of reporting abuse or attempted abuse to a “Trusted Adult.”  This would also apply to inappropriate touching.
  
  
• Do not rely entirely on “The Buddy System.”  In many documented cases, sisters, brothers and playmates have been victims of terrible crimes when together.
  
  
• Make it a priority to get to know your children’s friends and their families.
  
  
• Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities.  Children with many interests are less likely to experiment with drugs or other negative influences.
  
  
• Teach your children to respect, admire and celebrate the differences in people.
  
  
• Ask questions about what your children are doing, where they are going and whom they will be with.
  “Set Times” to be home or check in.  Have a back-up plan.
  
  
• A child’s room should not be considered his/hers private, personal domain where parents are not allowed to check them.
  
  
• Above all, encourage your children to recognize, trust and follow their instincts about people and situations.  Listen to their instincts.