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Child Trafficking Education. These words can be frightening. What do they mean for you and your child? Florida leads the nation in promoting child trafficking education for children. We are the first state to require instruction in child trafficking prevention for students in grades K – 12. As that wonderful idea sinks in, let’s talk…

COVID-19 or no COVID-19, I am hearing from parents around the country that Trick or Treating will be happening. A little bit of normalcy would be nice for families right now. So if your child is asking to Trick or Treat with their friends – here are some helpful tips. To figure out if they…

A: Think of it this way: Would you drop your 7 year old off to have some alone time at a carnival? The mall? The movie theater? So why would you let them have full access to the internet? Think about it. It probably wouldn’t be the best choice to send our child alone to…

A: The child has found the courage to tell you about a difficult experience because they trust you and they need help. This is your chance to prove that they trusted the right person. Perhaps you are a part of their Circle of Safe Adults. Here are the key steps to follow: Remain calm. Do…

A: We have a remedy for this. Knowing the difference between tattling and reporting is an important part of personal safety. Children can easily learn the difference between tattling and reporting and you will have a calmer household for it. Simply stated: TATTLING is telling on someone to get them in trouble. REPORTING  is done to…

Reporting Child Abuse To answer this question let’s start with the technical (official). By law, if a citizen 18 and older in the state of Florida (and many other states) suspects that a child is being abused in any way (physically, sexually, emotionally or neglect) you must report it. It’s not only the right thing…

Good and Bad Secrets There is a specific importance to Secrets when it comes to your child’s personal safety. Predators depend on a child ‘keeping the secret’ for them to keep a child silent. We know from survivors, many of whom only ‘shared their secret’ as an adult that they were afraid to tell. We…

A: It is much easier to talk about all sorts of touch with our kids if we have a name for it. Let’s start with Safe Touch. Mom! Bryan hit me!  Dad! Abby pushed Baby Joey down! Is an example of everyday touching.  Cuddling on the couch with your child while reading a story or…

A: Don’t Force Your Child to Hug or Kiss People Let your child know that they have the right to decide when and whom they want to hug. This is a healthy body boundary. Give them permission to politely say no if they don’t want to hug or kiss someone. Their decision should be accepted…

A: Start With Private Parts Body boundaries are healthy limits you help your child establish about their private parts and what kind of touching from others is safe or unsafe. Teaching your child about their body and body boundaries empowers children with the understanding of what is appropriate and what is not. This is a…