Million Kids Exploited - Why are some children more easily groomed and how can we change that?

Why are some children more easily "groomed" than others and how can we change that?

I am fortunate enough to attend a church that operates anelementary school. This past week, the first grade and kindergarteners put on a program, and it was so refreshing to watch the innocence of a child.  The reality is as these kids grow up they will change, as they make mistakes, as they experience loss, fear, shame, and many will lose their sense of value. I recently saw an interview with Brian Coxon BBC on “Why you should keep your inner child alive”.  He talked about how that inner child will influence you for the rest of your life.

That started me thinking about how can we help thoseyoung people who experience the worst of life, such as abuse, abandonment, rejection, as they are trapped in exploitative relationships.  After many years in working with prevention of sex trafficking and online exploitation, we know that the most vulnerable kids for being “groomed” by a predator are kids that need approval, or to fill the deep loneliness in their heart, or needing someone to take care of them as they believe they cannot do it themselves or they are not valuable enough for others to help them.

During this podcast, we talk about how the four mostpowerful words on earth “I believe in You” can help a lost child find the strength to begin a journey of loving yourself, forgiving yourself and finding the good for your inner child.  We discuss the power of examining your “self talk” and learning to reinforce your ability to make good choices.  We talk about that there is no such thing as “damaged good” because it is never too late to make new and better choices and turn your life around.