.: Talking To Your Children About Abuse
Category:Home / Family / Parenting / Children
Many parents find it difficult to talk about child abuse with their children, but it's essential to help them understand the possible dangers and ways to keep safe.
As parents, there are two main things to consider when talking to children about the subject of abuse:
1.Children may be curious about or upset by cases of child abuse reported in the media. Often these cases involve sexual abuse or abduction, but they can be physical abuse or the death of a child.
2. It's important to give children the right amount of information to keep them safe without scaring them or ruining their innocence.
It isn't really possible to protect your child completely from such stories of abuse in the news. Even if your child doesn't hear or see news items in question herself, the playground grapevine will usually quickly fill her in. It's better to be as open as possible, or she may get the facts muddled and be even more worried.
Here are some top tips for discussing such cases:
Pitch any discussion at your child's level, appropriate to their age, development and understanding. For a very young child you may just say something like: "Some bad people did a very mean thing to a child, but you don't have to worry as we will keep you safe."
For older children, you could ask her views. Listen to how much she's understood, and then gently correct any misconceptions.
For much older teenagers, it would be appropriate to discuss what is known about child abusers.
It's important to be available to talk with your child about any concerns she may have. If she's upset by a reported case of abuse, be as reassuring as possible. These cases are very rare, even though it's hard to believe when they're constantly in the media.
Stress that almost all children lead safe and happy lives, and only a very tiny percentage of adults want to hurt children in any way.
Make as much time available as possible to listen to her concerns about anything she's heard and to talk through worries with her. This is most important for older children. Younger ones are likely to be satisfied with a simple answer to questions.
Admit that none of us really knows why some adults behave in cruel ways or hurt children. There are some possible explanations - for example adults having been treated cruelly when they were children - or having a mental illness, but sometimes there's no obvious answer.
Stress that children are never to blame for any abuse, even if they've been naughty.
There are a number of ways in which parents can help to make a difference to their child's safety. From the start, you should build your child's self-esteem and confidence and developing her social skills. You can do this by:
Telling her you love her, and showing how important she is to you.
Spending time doing things she enjoys, while giving lots of praise.
Encouraging her independence with lots of opportunities to try things for herself.
Teaching her how to be assertive - that means having her own needs met but still respecting those of others.
Being available to listen to her fears and worries and assuring her she'll always be taken seriously.
Teaching sex education, including the names of body parts from an early age.
Stressing that her body belongs to her, and she has a right to say what happens to her.
Encouraging cooperation, respect and tolerance between children, and giving a positive example yourself.
Article keywords: kid safety program, child safety, child safety program, stranger danger
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Joyce Jackson is an educational expert and consultant in northern California. For her latest book and information see Homeschooling Easy.
.: New Children Articles
1). The Concept of Permissive Parenting Styles
If you have habit of giving your children what they want, you are most likely subjecting your child to a permissive parenting style. Learn how to change your parenting style to raise happy children without destroying your own well-being.
2). Swimming Pool Safety Covers and Accessory Advice For Kids
A swimming pool can be a very dangerous place at any age, but is especially hazardous when children are involved.
3). How to Enjoy a Family Bedtime Story
Do you sometimes feel guilty because you have too much to do and rarely get to share a bedtime story with the kids?
4). Baby Looney Tunes Cartoons Still Amazing
The brilliant idea of recasting your favorite animated cartoon characters as preschoolers takes form in Baby Looney Tunes. Bugs Bunny, Daffy, Taz, Tweety, Sylvester and other friends are portrayed as babies, learning how everything works in the world.
5). Stages and Steps of Development: Two to Three Years
The following article covers information on teaching your child to read.
6). Radio Flyer - From Wooden Cart to Retro Rocket
Radio Flyer has been producing toys for over 85 years. This article tracks the evolution of the brand.
7). Radio Flyer, Awards And Achievements
Radio Flyer is an iconic toy manufacturer based in the USA. Throughout their long history they have received numerous accolades.
.: Top Children Articles
1). Health Tips For Your Baby
There are always concerns about a baby’s health. Many parents overreact to the smallest problem, but you really can’t be too careful when it comes to your baby’s health. Recognizing the symptoms to the most common diseases is very important to early diagnosis and treatment.
Rubella or German Measles: It’s sometimes referred to as the 3-day measles as well.
2). Your Preemie Is In The NICU - What Can You Do?
Your feelings are tied up in that tiny little preemie bundle, and you have a hard time comprehending this small, wrinkled resemblance of a baby that is attached to every conceivable contraption...could belong to you. But when your heart is broken in more places then you could ever dream possible, and waiting seems endless, you are harshly welcomed into the world of parenthood.
3). Bedwetting Diapers – Disposable Products For Older Bedwetters
Bedwetting diapers are not just for infants and babies. They come in sizes all the way up to adult so that any one with a bed wetting problem can feel secure that he/she will not wake up to wet sheets in the morning. Along with ensuring you or your child a dry night, wearing diapers at night means you also have less mess to clean up. These diapers are disposable, so they won’t add to your mounds of laundry.
4). Learning To Apply Information
There are many definitions of intelligence, but the one I have learned in high school claimed that intelligence in nature is the ability of an animal or a human to use the information they have learned.
I have also read about the idea that there are several levels of learning. The lowest level of learning, is just memorizing the material and being.
5). Baby Shower Poems - Commotion Of Emotions
We all have a hidden talent and should yours be poetry then you are off to a great start in making up your own baby shower poems. If you enjoy poetry and love to write in verse then why not consider helping other hosts who may struggle with this side of things by writing their baby shower poems.
Poetry is a fabulous way to communicate to portray feelings and emotions.
6). Use Food To Teach Your Child The Alphabet
Teaching your young child the alphabet should be a high priority. Your child should not wait until preschool or kindergarten to learn their letters. Knowledge of their ABCs is one of the prime indicators of reading success for children.
When you work on the alphabet with your child, make sure the child can recognize all the letters of the alphabet both in order and out of sequence plus both upper and lower case.
7). Weak Cognitive Skills Are Cause of Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities affect people in all walks of life each and every day, but the good news is that something can be done to correct them.