NOT FOUND: communicatingwithyourchildren.jpgAs you all know we are living in perilous time, a time when we need to watch our more closely than ever before.

It is imperative that you have an open line of communication with your children at all times. Here are a few tips of do’s and don’ts:

Incorporate weekly round table meetings with your children. Turn off TV’s, computers, IPODS or any other distractions that may hinder family meeting time.
Make it a fun time by incorporating games, even role-playing (you will be amazed as to how your children see you in their own eyes).
Start meeting time with prayer
Let them know that they are not in trouble or being chastised for anything.
Set the atmosphere with a happy attitude and add some fun!!
Be specific with your agenda and time- frame (so they won’t get bored).
Ask non-intimidating questions.
Let them feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings.
Explain that his or her body only belongs to them alone and he/she has the right to say no to anyone who might try to touch them.
Discuss linguistics and or slang.
Bring up twitting (a new way of texting).
Show them you are supportive.
Address peer pressure.
Stray away from any verbal confrontations.
Children need to know that adults handle conflict resolution with positive results.
Teach them they can trust you.
Have them be aware of sheep in wolves clothing.
They need to know that no matter what the subject matter is or how hard it is to talk about that you will listen and believe in them.
Monitor their behavior; if your child is normally happy and becomes depressed withdrawn or isolative. These are red flags!!! Do everything you can to get them to open up to you or a therapist.

Reality Check:
Do not allow your children to be ignorant of what really goes on in the world.
Often predators can sense this in your child.
Do not expose your child‘s vulnerability to strangers.
Do not let your child be touched by strangers, because they are also looking at how vulnerable you are as well. Tell your child that some adults may try to hurt children and make them do things the child does not feel comfortable doing. These grown ups call what they’re doing a secret. They will often say that their parents may be hurt or killed if the child ever shares the secret. Emphasize that an adult who does something like this is doing something wrong. It is important to believe your child; they seldom lie about abuse and commend them for telling you about the experience.
Know where your child is at all times.
Discourage sleepovers, keeping in mind that everyone does not live the same way as you do and do not always share your same morals and principles.
Do establish a safety plan for your child, a code word or number that only you and your child know.

Conclusion: Parents be diligent in educating yourselves with the convicted child molesters in your community. Call social services if the abuse involves a professional care giver.