IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS for SAFEKIDZZ

    "An Informed Child is a Safe Child"

Child molestation is a subject none of us wants to even think about, let alone discuss openly,
but in order to protect our children we must talk about it.  It is something that has always been
 taboo, a subject we wish to just sweep under the rug and forget about, but as I speak there are
children being hurt and killed by sexual predators, as well as from other forms of abuse. 
Unfortunately, the world has become a very unsafe place for our children. We, as concerned
adults/parents certainly do not wish to "frighten" our children, but there are ways to teach and
inform them, regarding how they can protect themselves. Even at a very young age, children
can be taught personal body safety. Here are some important safety tips, that will help insure
our children's safety, and yes, it is crucial that we teach them, at as early an age as possible. 
We must handle each situation in sharing personal body safety information carefully, so as not
to frighten our little ones. When and how to share personal body safety information, and at what age, should be left totally up
to the parents, or caregivers discretion. We must use caution and good judgment, in choosing the “right” words in
accordance with the child's maturity of understanding. Remember, most importantly, “an informed child is a safe child.”

"It is your job as a responsible, concerned parent, grandparent, or appointed guardian
to teach the children God has given into your care, about “personal body safety.”

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Parent Safety Tips:

 #1  Parents should choose a secret code word: Help your child/children to memorize this code word,
so that if your child ever did become a predator’s target this word would help protect them. You could stress
to the child to never go with anyone who cannot give them the code word on the first try. Teach them to
“Scream and Run Away” from strangers who may be bothering them, or are making them feel uncomfortable
or afraid. Tell the child to find another adult, preferably another mother with children and tell this other adult
what is happening.

#2  Parents can teach their children at a very young age: You can teach your children where the private
areas of their bodies are. (the places where their bathing suit covers) In fact, you should teach them what all
of their body parts are called. You can share with the child that the private areas on their bodies are places
which they must never allow anyone to touch.  ( a Doctors examination is the only exception)

#3  Children left to themselves, or unsupervised are perfect targets: Sexual predators look for children that are
unsupervised. When on an outing with your child (children), such as a park or shopping mall, etc., keep your children close
 to you.  Do not allow them to wander or roam about freely. Never leave your child alone in a parking lot. Predators have
been known for prowling these areas looking for potential victims. Most predators look for children who are “alone.”

#4  There are a lot of parents who work, whose children are home by themselves until the parents arrive home: 
If your children must be left home alone, due to their being “latchkey” children, make it very clear to them concerning
keeping all doors locked until you arrive home. Make sure they know who they are only allowed to let enter your home, until
you return from work, with no exceptions. If you allow your children to answer the phone, stress the importance of their not
speaking to anyone unless they can give the child the secret code word.

#5  Recent news reports tell of predators entering homes and taking  children out of their beds: Your responsibility
as a concerned parent is to make certain all doors and windows are locked, and if your home has a security system be sure
alarms are set before you retire. 

Remember, “Your Children are Your Greatest Treasures, therefore deserve your Greatest Protection.”

#6  As a concerned parent you have the right to supervise/monitor your child, teens use of the internet: Make sure you
have an Internet Safety Filter. There are quite a few of these available today. Reports have proven that predators have found ways
to get children/teens to meet with them, through on-line chat rooms, etc.

 #8  Teach your child to NEVER go anyplace alone. The BUDDY SYSTEM is a great deterrent to a predator seeking a lone child.

 #9  Teach your child their address, phone # and what exactly constitutes an emergency and how to dial 911 at an early age.

 #10  Teach your child what a Good, Bad, and SECRET TOUCH is. Tell them: A Good touch would be a hug from Mommy or Daddy or a handshake from your Teacher; a Bad touch is when someone hits, kicks or knocks you down; a SECRET TOUCH is when someone touches you on the areas where your bathing suit covers. When a child tells you he or she is being touched by someone on the private areas of their bodies or being abused in any way “BELIEVE THEM!”  Children rarely make up stories about being touched inappropriately if they are not. It is absolutely crucial that you believe them.  

 #11  If you do discover your child has been a victim of molestation REPORT IT! Encourage the child that it was not their fault and that you are going to make sure it stops.

 #12  Children are often physically hurt and emotionally scarred, sometimes for life when they have become a victim of any kind of abuse. Upon discovery, immediately contact the proper authorities and Seek Professional THERAPY. Remember, the child victim’s emotional state is fragile.

I pray these tips will be a blessing to you and your little ones.  Remember…Guardian Angels are Real. 

Text Copyright © 2005 K.F. Stewart. All rights reserved.