Protecting kids. . .
On the “Hannity and Colmes†last night, our debate was about the value of so-called “good touch bad touch†education for kindergardeners, as a way of warding off sexual predators.
I argued that at best such education at very young ages doesn’t protect children. At that age, these kids have trouble distinguishing between “Letter People†p and d! At worst, it might be invasive, unsettling and most concerning, if we think we’ve protected out children against something when we haven’t, we may even be leaving them more vulnerable than ever! Like putting a band-aid on cancer. The issue is the abusers.
Not only all that, but we don’t want to leave kids terrified of every loving adult who just tries to give them a hug.
Here’s what was passed on to me by very wise parents, and now here’s what I tell moms and dads are the two things to tell kids early that will help, at least, to protect them from so much, and nost likely from more than sexual predators!
First – every sexual pervert tells his young victim, “let’s keep this a secret!†But you know what? No one should be coming between you and your child anyway, even if well intentioned, without your knowledge and permission (i.e., a trained therapist.) “Good touch bad touch†for a 5-year-old is likely going to be confusing and complicated.
You can help protect your children against a wide range of abuse by instead teaching your kids the simple principle that “if ANY adult ever says to you, ‘let’s keep a secret from mom and dad’ that person is trouble because he’s trying to come between us – no matter who it is, you come tell me right away!â€
Second – make sure your kids know that they can tell you ANYTHING - and you will always love and help them (or get them help) more than anyone else in the world, because you love them more than anyone else in the world does. That’s how it’s supposed to be!
Nothing is “for sure” but keeping loving lines of communicataion open, and making sure your kids know you are there greatest advocate is a start at protecting them in this world.
Happy Parenting
Posted By: Betsy
