70 - Empowering Parents: Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse

In this episode, we tackle the important issue of childhood sexual abuse and how to help prevent it. By educating ourselves as parents, we can provide our children with the tools they need to protect themselves.

• Discuss the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse statistics 
• Explore the need for children to know proper terminology for body parts 
• Encourage open lines of communication about consent and boundaries 

Let's work together to change statistics and protect our children.

Here is the full article from AAP:

https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/aap-tips-for-teaching-children-about-body-boundaries-and-safety

Email me at [e-mail] or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!

Episode Transcript

Mary Eschen (00:05):
Welcome to Parenting Decoded, the podcast
for practical approaches toparenting.
I'm Mary Eschen.
Few things break my heart morethan stories of child sexual
abuse.
I can't help but wonder if someof those children had been
taught more about their bodiesand how to respond to
uncomfortable situations.
ould their stories have beendifferent?

(00:27):
This episode is my effort toempower you, as parents, with
knowledge and tools to helpprevent childhood sexual abuse.
Here's a powerful fact 95% ofchildhood sexual abuse is
preventable through education.
That's an incredible statisticand it means there's real hope.

(00:49):
So let's get educated.
According to a 2023 newsrelease from the American
Academy of Pediatrics, one inthree females and one in six
males will experience sexualassault or abuse before the age
of 17.
Many abusers hold positions oftrust teachers, family friends,

(01:10):
coaches, church leaders, evenfamily members.
While we often think of adultsas the perpetrators, up to 40%
of sexual abuse cases involveolder, more powerful children.
This isn't something we canafford to ignore.
But the good news we can takeaction starting now.

(01:31):
The AAP has outlined key stepswe can take as parents to help
protect our children.
Here are a few critical ones.
First, use proper terminologyfor body parts.
Teach your children the correctnames for all body parts,
including private areas.
Make it clear that privateparts should always be covered
by clothing or swimsuits andshould never be touched without

(01:53):
permission.
Next, encourage modesty at home.
As children grow and theirbodies change, they should feel
comfortable setting boundaries.
Let them know it's okay to beprivate about their bodies and
that modesty is a personalchoice, not something to be
ashamed of.
This mindset will help themdevelop healthy social
boundaries as well.

(02:14):
Next, don't force affection.
This one's tough.
We love hugs from our kids andwe want them to show affection
to family and friends, butchildren should understand that
their bodies belong to them.
They should never feelpressured to give hugs or kisses
, even to grandparents.
Encourage alternatives likehigh fives or thumbs up, so they

(02:36):
have ways to express warmthwhile maintaining their personal
comfort.
Talk to your kids and otherfamily friends and explain that
you've given your child choicesabout how to show affection.
We know that some days our kidsare overflowing with affection,
but other days they just don'tfeel like it.
Give them the power to choosehow they show affection and let

(02:58):
those around them who arewanting affection let them know
why you are supporting them.
Next, teach "okay touches versusnot okay touches.
Most physical contact is normal, like bathing, diaper changes
or medical care.
However, not okay touchesinclude anything involving

(03:19):
private parts without a medicalor caregiving reason, as well as
any touch that feelsuncomfortable, painful or scary.
This also applies to how theytouch others.
One powerful way to reinforcethis is by creating a family
rule about personal boundaries.
Kids respond well to clear,consistent rules, so use them.

(03:40):
Next, encourage opencommunication.
Children must know that, nomatter what anyone says, they
will never be in trouble forspeaking up about a not okay
touch.
Reinforce that they shouldalways tell a trusted adult if
something makes them feeluncomfortable going.

(04:06):
This isn't a one-time talk.
Revisit these discussionsregularly when bathing them,
when they're little, beforedoctor visits, when they're
older, or even when they'relittle before daycare or dance
class or a camp, especially anaway camp.
The more you review, the moreempowered and confident your
child will be.
By taking these steps, we cancreate a safer world for our
children.
Let's commit to educatingourselves and empowering our

(04:28):
kids at the same time.
I've linked linked the full AAParticle in my podcast notes if
you'd like to dive deeper.
Let's work together to changestatistics and protect our
children.
That's all for now.
Have a blessed rest of yourday.