Is Your Child In Danger?
By Diana Fletcher
A new school year! You receive reminders about physicals, vaccinations, team sign-ups and after-school clubs.
Taking care of your children involves a lot of time, attention and planning. However, there is one more thing you need to do. You need to protect your child from the dangers that many times people don’t want to talk about.
Predators come in all shapes and sizes. Often, sexual abuse takes place in the home or a place where they frequently go, and the abuse is from someone you know and trust. Children may be told that they must keep the abuse a secret or their family will be killed or hurt or that they won’t be believed.
Commit to making time every day to listen to your child, pay close attention to their moods and open up conversations to all sorts of subjects, without judgment or punishment.
Make sure your child knows that they can tell you anything and you will protect them. They must never keep secrets about something that does “not feel right.” Children who are abused will suffer over and over again and are vulnerable to further attacks. They bear emotional scars that other predators will spot immediately.
Here are a few warning signs that something may be wrong in a child’s life:
1. Sudden change in behavior or grades
2. Expensive gifts being given to your child or teen
3. Dropping out of activities they used to enjoy
4. Fear or depression
5. For girls, a boyfriend considerably older
6. Suddenly not wanting to spend time with certain people without explanation
Children need to know that we are watching out for them. This goes for parents, aunts, uncles, teachers and everyone who comes into contact with children. We all have a responsibility to this most vulnerable group.
If you need help dealing with a situation, get help! Call the police, call rape hotlines, tell other people.
Do not let your own fear hold you back.
© 2012 Diana Fletcher
Diana Fletcher
Author of Happy on Purpose Daily Messages of Empowerment and Joy for Women
Author, Life Coach, Speaker
412 612-5977
www.thoughtsbydiana.com
Diana Fletcher
412 612-5977
www.thoughtsbydiana.com
