Parenting Guidelines & Resources

This page includes sensitive terms and topics. It’s wonderful that you’re looking to learn more about how to talk to the kids you care for about their bodies. This is such an important part of abuse prevention! Just as you teach children that a nose is a nose, they need to know what to call their...

Prevention steps can be taken at any time – before there is a concern that a child is being sexually abused to re-establishing safety to prevent further abuse. By becoming educated about child sex abuse, you are already becoming a proactive and protective adult. Everyone can take steps to prevent...

Prevention steps can be taken at any time – before there is a concern that a child is being sexually abused to re-establishing safety to prevent further abuse. By becoming educated about child sex abuse, you are already becoming a proactive and protective adult. Everyone can take steps to prevent...

For Parents Of Children With Disabilities *Program settings refer to residential, educational and recreational programs in which your child might be involved Note: These tip sheets provide parents and caregivers of children with disabilities the information they need to keep their child safe from...

Bringing up concerns about a child’s sexual behavior to his or her parents may feel awkward and even scary, but when you become aware of a child engaged in unhealthy sexual activity, it’s time for action steps. Parents who can work together and communicate concerns they have about children are...

A neighbor tells you about a “pedophile down the street,” you learn of a “sexual predator” who’s a member of your faith community, the local paper reports on “child molesters hanging around” at your kid’s school. What can you do? You thought your neighborhood was pretty safe. Suddenly, your sense...

Summer often means new activities and increased independence for children as they try new summer programs, go to day or overnight camps, or even spend extended visits with family or friends. Recent headlines are a good reminder that as we make summer plans for children, adults need to be educated,...

Experience has taught us that actions by adults can be more effective than expecting kids to protect themselves from sexual abuse. Still, we know that children also need accurate, age-appropriate information about child sexual abuse and confidence that adults they know will support them. Clear...

Any one sign doesn't mean that a child was sexually abused, but the presence of several suggests that you begin asking questions and consider seeking help. Keep in mind that some of these signs can emerge at other times of stress such as: During a divorce Death of a family member or pet Problems at...

It can be hard to acknowledge that all of us, even children, are sexual beings, have sexual feelings and are curious about sex and sexuality. Children’s curiosity can lead to exploring their own and each other’s body parts by looking and touching. They may peek when family members are in the...