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 info@parentingdecoded.com or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!

Chapters

• 0:05 Introduction to Parenting Decoded
• 0:27 Empowering Parents Against Childhood Sexual Abuse
• 1:31 Key Steps for Protecting Our Children

Transcript

Mary Eschen: 0:05

Welcome to Parenting Decoded, the podcast for practical approaches to parenting. I'm Mary Eschen. Few things break my heart more than stories of child sexual abuse. I can't help but wonder if some of those children had been taught more about their bodies and how to respond to uncomfortable situations. ould their stories have been different? This episode is my effort to empower you, as parents, with knowledge and tools to help prevent childhood sexual abuse.

Mary Eschen: 0:38

Here's a powerful fact 95% of childhood sexual abuse is preventable through education. That's an incredible statistic and it means there's real hope. So let's get educated. According to a 2023 news release from the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in three females and one in six males will experience sexual assault or abuse before the age of 17. Many abusers hold positions of trust teachers, family friends, coaches, church leaders, even family members. While we often think of adults as the perpetrators, up to 40% of sexual abuse cases involve older, more powerful children. This isn't something we can afford to ignore. But the good news we can take action starting now.

Mary Eschen: 1:31

The AAP has outlined key steps we can take as parents to help protect our children. Here are a few critical ones.

Mary Eschen: 1:38

First, use proper terminology for body parts. Teach your children the correct names for all body parts, including private areas. Make it clear that private parts should always be covered by clothing or swimsuits and should never be touched without permission.

Mary Eschen: 1:55

Next, encourage modesty at home. As children grow and their bodies change, they should feel comfortable setting boundaries. Let them know it's okay to be private about their bodies and that modesty is a personal choice, not something to be ashamed of. This mindset will help them develop healthy social boundaries as well.

Mary Eschen: 2:14

Next, don't force affection. This one's tough. We love hugs from our kids and we want them to show affection to family and friends, but children should understand that their bodies belong to them. They should never feel pressured to give hugs or kisses, even to grandparents. Encourage alternatives like high fives or thumbs up, so they have ways to express warmth while maintaining their personal comfort. Talk to your kids and other family friends and explain that you've given your child choices about how to show affection. We know that some days our kids are overflowing with affection, but other days they just don't feel like it. Give them the power to choose how they show affection and let those around them who are wanting affection let them know why you are supporting them.

Mary Eschen: 3:05

Next, teach "okay touches versus not okay touches. Most physical contact is normal, like bathing, diaper changes or medical care. However, not okay touches include anything involving private parts without a medical or caregiving reason, as well as any touch that feels uncomfortable, painful or scary. This also applies to how they touch others. One powerful way to reinforce this is by creating a family rule about personal boundaries. Kids respond well to clear, consistent rules, so use them.

Mary Eschen: 3:40

Next, encourage open communication. Children must know that, no matter what anyone says, they will never be in trouble for speaking up about a not okay touch. Reinforce that they should always tell a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable going. This isn't a one-time talk. Revisit these discussions regularly when bathing them, when they're little, before doctor visits, when they're older, or even when they're little before daycare or dance class or a camp, especially an away camp. The more you review, the more empowered and confident your child will be.

Mary Eschen: 4:21

By taking these steps, we can create a safer world for our children. Let's commit to educating ourselves and empowering our kids at the same time.

Mary Eschen: 4:30

I've linked linked the full AAP article in my podcast notes if you'd like to dive deeper. Let's work together to change statistics and protect our children.

Mary Eschen: 4:39

That's all for now. Have a blessed rest of your

Mary Eschen: 4:43

day.