June 15, 2010
Discussing child protection issues with your child, particularly difficult and scary ones such as sexual abuse or abduction, can be a daunting predicament for many parents. It is not something we look forward to doing, but at the same time we all recognize its importance and necessity. There are many ways to approach these discussions with your children, but one of the easiest ways of doing so is to pick up a book and read with them.
There are a multitude of books written specifically for children that address issues of physical and emotional safety. There are truly few safety issues out there about which you cannot find a book to begin a topic of conversation with your child. The majority of these books are directed at pre-teens and younger with an emphasis on four to nine year olds, which indicates the importance of having these conversations with your children when they are young. Many of the books directed at teenagers deal with issues of sexual abuse, dating concerns and internet safety.
The following is a list of noteworthy publications written for children and teens. (InstantAmber recommends that you always review your book choices for content that is appropriate for your family.
I Can Be Safe: A First Look At Safety (Series) by Pat Thomas
For the younger audiences, this is an easy to understand book which gives advice on physical safety (looking both ways, wearing special gear for sports, knowing important information such as phone numbers and addresses) and emotional safety. It comes with a parent guide and a list of resources.
Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman
For children three to six years of age, this book is positive and assertive without being frightening. It defines private parts (“the places on your body covered by a bathing suit”) and discusses that it is your child’s right to decide when and by whom he or she is to be touched. Parents are urged to trust their child’s instincts and concerns regarding unwanted touching.
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers (First Time Books) by Stan Berenstain
Lovable and familiar characters teach kids about safe conduct with strangers. Mama Bear discourages stereotyping people based on how they look by using an apple analogy. It also gives safety rules, including one about the privacy of one’s body.
A Very Touching Book - For Little People and For Big People by Jan Hindman
Provides sexual abuse knowledge in a non-threatening manner. Avoiding scare tactics, the author encourages a “partnership of safety” between children and their parents.
Watch Out! (Series) by Claire Llewellyn
This series includes the books Watch Out! On the Road, Watch Out! Around Town, Watch Out! At Home and Watch Out! Near Water and contain brief, clearly written passages directed a younger children.
My Space Safety: 51 Tips for Teens and Parents by Kevin M. Farnham
Provides a common sense approach for teens and parents for minimizing risk of exposure to predators when using MySpace. The tips can be applied to other social networking website.
Living with the Internet and Online Dangers by Corey Sandler
Discusses the risks and problems associated with using the Web and what teens can do to protect themselves.
Teen Dating Violence: Awareness + Intervention = Prevention by Tony Newsom
Defines teen dating violence, its prevalence in our society and what is being done to reduce it. Includes a chapter of newsworthy stories that help your teens learn what they can do to stay safe. Each story is followed up by a questionnaire to help the reader understand and remember what they have learned.
Invisible Girls: The Truth about Sexual Abuse--A Book for Teen Girls, Young Women, and Everyone Who Cares About Them by Patti Feuereisen
Includes personal narratives to establish a general discussion about sexual abuse of girls and young women. The author includes issues such as incest, abuse by teachers and clergy and different kinds of rape. The writing is detailed and frank without being gratuitous. Intended for a high school audience.
Discussing these sensitive topics with your children is never going to be easy, but it is important that you do so sooner rather than later. InstantAmber hopes you make it your goal this summer to read with your children and help them learn the skills needed to keep themselves safe from danger and abuse.
