Last year, I wrote on tips for prevention of sexual child abuse. The statistics on sexual abuse of children is alarming — Experts estimate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthdays! (from Darkness to Light)
One of the best things we can do as parents is to allow our children to discuss the uncomfortable topic of touch.
- Teach your children about their bodies, about what abuse is, and, when age-appropriate, about sex.
- Teach children that it is “against the rules” for adults to act in a sexual way with them and use examples.
- Teach them what parts of their bodies others should not touch.
Here are some of the best books for teaching children about their bodies and appropriate touch. {affiliate links}