Prevention Tips for parents
While our detailed 90-minute workshops go into far more depth, here are some tips you can start sharing with your family right away.
1. Remind your children: SAFE grownups don’t ask kids for help. Adults should ask adults for help.
2. Listen carefully to your child. If they don’t want to be around a particular person, such as a babysitter, relative, or family friend, don’t force them. They may be getting a “red flag” signal that you are unaware of.
3. Let children decide for themselves how they want to express affection. Do not force them to hug or kiss another person.
4. Always trust your instincts and let your child know it’s ok for them to trust theirs.
5. Develop strong and open communication skills with your child so that they will feel safe coming to you if something is bothering them.
6. Practice personal safety strategies with your kids. What would they do they were lost in a store? What would they say if someone asked them for directions? etc. The average person retains only 20% of what he/she hears, and 90% of what he/she does. Role-play with your kids. Getting them involved makes them feel good.
7. Spend quality time with your children. If a child is starved for attention, he/she could unknowingly be a more vulnerable target for a predator.
8. Volunteer at your child’s school or other activities. Let them and other adults know you are interested and involved in their entire life.
9. Do not write your child’s name on the outside of any personal belongings such as a backpack or jacket.
10. Teach safety concepts in a loving, easy-going manner. Scare tactics can make your child fearful.
11. Enroll in a P.E.A.C.E of MIND workshop. We empower families!