The plus sign or double pink lines on a pregnancy test should come with a note that reads, “Welcome to parenthood – the world of worry.” That’s when the concerns begin.
From the moment you find out you’re expecting, you start worrying about your baby’s health and safety. You hold your breath as the ultrasound tech checks the heart, counts ten tiny toes, and measures growth. You wait anxiously while the doctor reviews the charts. Back then, you believed your worry would end at birth.
You told yourself, “Once I hold my baby, see their eyes, that sweet mouth, and those little fingers gripping my thumb, everything will be fine.”
But the truth? Worry doesn’t end at birth. It begins.
Sleepless nights continue well beyond the newborn phase. The concerns simply shift. You go from worrying about feeding schedules to worrying about classmates, bullying, or whether your teen will resist the temptation to text and drive. Parenthood means constantly protecting the ones you love—and that includes protecting them from child sexual abuse.
Body Safety Is a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Child’s Safety Plan
Many parents hesitate to discuss body safety or sexual abuse prevention with their children. It’s uncomfortable. It’s scary. But it’s necessary.
According to national statistics—reflected in Alabama’s numbers—1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before turning 18. That number is staggering. But there’s good news: you can help prevent it. You can educate. You can empower.
Debra Schneider, licensed independent clinical social worker and Executive Director of the CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama, emphasizes the importance of having a body safety plan. She encourages parents to treat it just like any other safety plan, such as a fire escape plan or storm drill.
At home, we teach kids to wear helmets, cross streets safely, and exit the house in case of fire. At school, they practice tornado drills and active shooter protocols. These plans prepare and empower them. Creating a sexual abuse prevention plan does the same.
What to Include in Your Child’s Body Safety Plan
Schneider recommends introducing these steps to children as young as three years old:
- Try to Say No: Teach your child that it’s okay to say no to unwanted touch, even from familiar people.
- Try to Get Away: Help them understand that walking or running away is a brave and smart move.
- Tell a Trusted Adult: Give your child a list of three trusted adults—two from your family and one outside the home—whom they can talk to about anything uncomfortable.
Talk to older children, too. They may be the trusted adult for younger siblings or family friends. Teach them how to listen and respond if a child comes to them with concerns about abuse.
Practice Makes Empowered
Role-play real-life scenarios with your child. Practice saying “No” and “Stop” with confidence. Reinforce the idea that they control their body. If your child doesn’t want to hug or kiss goodbye, that’s okay—suggest a high five instead.
Also, help your child practice how to describe something that made them uncomfortable. Let them know you will always listen, believe, and support them. This trust makes it easier for them to report anything suspicious.
Keep the Conversation Going
Child sexual abuse prevention isn’t a one-time talk—it’s an ongoing conversation. Use daily moments as opportunities to reinforce safety:
- Hear a lyric in a song? Talk about personal boundaries.
- See an Amber Alert? Remind your child of what to do if they feel unsafe.
- Read a news story? Ask your child what they would do in a similar situation.
These “teachable moments” help normalize safety conversations and ensure your child feels confident and capable.
Empower Your Child with Knowledge, Not Fear
Talking to your child about sexual abuse might feel overwhelming—but including body safety in your family’s safety plan gives your child the tools to prevent, recognize, and report abuse.
Want more tools to keep your child safe? Learn how to:
- Teach the correct names for body parts
- Establish physical boundaries
- Create ongoing, open communication
Discussing potential sexual abuse with children is tough. But including body safety in your family’s safety plan equips your child with what he or she needs to help prevent and report potential abuse.
Anyone who suspects abuse should report it immediately. Anyone can report suspected child abuse to the local Department of Human Resources. You can also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
