Few things break my heart more than stories of child 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, could their stories have been different?
This blog is my effort to empower you, as parents, with knowledge and tools to help prevent childhood sexual abuse. 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.
The Reality of Childhood Sexual Abuse
According to a 2023 news release from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
The AAP has outlined key steps we can take as parents to help protect our children. Here are a few critical ones:
1 – 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.
2 – 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.
3 – Don’t Force Affection
This one is 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 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.
4 – Teach “OK Touches” vs. “Not-OK Touches”
Most physical contact is normal—like bathing, diaper changes, or medical care. However, "not-OK 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.
5 – Encourage Open Communication
Children must know that no matter what anyone says, they will NEVER be in trouble for speaking up about a “not-OK touch.” Reinforce that they should always tell a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable.
6 – Keep the Conversation Going
This isn’t a one-time talk. Revisit these discussions regularly—when bathing them, before doctor visits, before daycare, dance class, or camp. The more you review, the more empowered and confident your child will be.
By taking these steps, we can create a safer world for our children. Let’s commit to educating ourselves and empowering our kids.
Here is a link to the full AAP article if you’d like to dive deeper.
www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/aap-tips-for-teaching-children-about-body-boundaries-and-safety
Let’s work together to change the statistics and protect our children.
This blog is my effort to empower you, as parents, with knowledge and tools to help prevent childhood sexual abuse. 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.
The Reality of Childhood Sexual Abuse
According to a 2023 news release from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
- 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 males will experience sexual assault or abuse before the age of 17.
- Many abusers hold positions of trust—teachers, family friends, coaches, church leaders, and even family members.
- While we often think of adults as the perpetrators, up to 40% of child sexual abuse cases involve older, more powerful children.
The AAP has outlined key steps we can take as parents to help protect our children. Here are a few critical ones:
1 – 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.
2 – 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.
3 – Don’t Force Affection
This one is 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 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.
4 – Teach “OK Touches” vs. “Not-OK Touches”
Most physical contact is normal—like bathing, diaper changes, or medical care. However, "not-OK 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.
5 – Encourage Open Communication
Children must know that no matter what anyone says, they will NEVER be in trouble for speaking up about a “not-OK touch.” Reinforce that they should always tell a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable.
6 – Keep the Conversation Going
This isn’t a one-time talk. Revisit these discussions regularly—when bathing them, before doctor visits, before daycare, dance class, or camp. The more you review, the more empowered and confident your child will be.
By taking these steps, we can create a safer world for our children. Let’s commit to educating ourselves and empowering our kids.
Here is a link to the full AAP article if you’d like to dive deeper.
www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/aap-tips-for-teaching-children-about-body-boundaries-and-safety
Let’s work together to change the statistics and protect our children.