With all the predators out there, communicating with our children about the potential dangers is critical. As they grow into maturity, our discussions will need to evolve, but when and how can one begin?
With small children, we can help our children understand that their body is beautiful, wonderful, and sacred. By instilling this knowledge in them, we enable them to view themselves as "good" and "just right." We also, even at an early age, need to teach them that some parts are "private" and should never be touched by anyone. This is a good discussion to have while bathing, because the conversation can be warm and gentle and include "what if Granny is washing me?" and "what if the doctor needs me to take my shirt off?" These are clear indications of healthy communication.
As children age, continuing conversation will be necessary because children hear news reports, and topics that come up on school buses and in school among peers. Making it clear to our children that inappropriate behavior by someone, especially an adult, is wrong will reinforce their knowledge that we will protect them. A frequent tactic of predators is threatening the victim and the victim's family. We can address this by reminding our children that we are strong and we have helpers. This could include extended family, the laws, law enforcement, etc. While in a crisis, it is amazing how many good people come forward. This is a great antidote to the predator's weapons of fear and deceit.
One final gift we can give our children is the gift of trusting their own instincts. If Great Uncle Joe scares our child, trust the child's instincts. Do not make the child sit on the old man's lap or kiss Great Aunt Bessie, either, if the child expresses genuine discomfort. While nothing may ever develop, going against our natural "gut feelings" is gambling with something too precious: our child.
One may feel uncomfortable discussing these things with any child, however, we, as the adults, need to bite the bullet and follow through to help protect these little souls we have been entrusted with. We are the ones the predators truly fear.