Help Talking to Son About Private Body Parts and Sexual Predator Awareness

I haven't tried Kid Power and it sounds like a great idea, but I have been open with my kids. I have son and when he was about the same age, I found him playing with himself. I was shocked at first but I let him know that it was normal and we talked through it but I explained that no one else was to ever touch him. Not long after that we went to the doctor and of course she went to touch him and he freaked out. I then had to recant what I had originally said and told him that the doctor is there to check him and make sure everything was ok. I let him know that only a doctor could touch him and ONLY if mom or dad were in the room. This has been regular talk in our home. A couple of weeks ago he was hit in the private area and the nurse asked to look. He wouldn't let her because she wasn't a doctor and a parent wasn't present. Obviously, all these talks got through. Being open works for us.

I haven't watched or bought this DVD yet, but maybe it will help. I have the same concern and worry for my son so I plan to check this DVD out and see if it covers this type of concern. If not, I know it will help with my other fears. It is called Stranger Safety - The Safe Side DVD by J. Clark & John Walsh. I found it on www.geniusbabies.com. I hope this helps.

Hi Y.,
I was in the same position as you regarding a back burner fear for my kids. My kids were only 16 months apart, so we approached this age around the same time. I would highly recommend Kid Power. It is an organization that has experience and training in this subject, and you can go to a simple class with them, or sign your son up for the extended class. They teach everyone how to be more confident and how to have power to take care of themselves and know, set, and be able to enforce personal boundaries. It is www.kidpower.org and even if you don't sign up for a class, they have lots of literature dealing with safety and how to make wise decisions regarding self defense. They do work with victims and victims advocates, but you don't have to wait for a crisis to get help from them. They deal with everything from school bullies and how to deal with them to predators and violence prevention. Even if you just want free articles (the classes cost) this is a great site. My kids are 11 and 12 now, and I am thinking of taking them back for a refresher course-especially my son because he is prone to being picked on because of his gentle and compassionate spirit. Hope this helps!

Hi Y.,
I, too, would recommend Kidpower. As a therapist, I work with many children who have completed this program and have never spoken with a parent who was disappointed.

I would also suggest A Very Touching Book by Jan Hindman. You can access the website at www.janhindman.com. You might find that much of the information on the site is relevant for you. The book speaks very candidly about "special" body parts, using correct names, and teaches children about good, bad and secret touching. Hope that is helpful!

I'm not sure where you live but in Colorado Springs there is an agency called Kid Power that teaches great classes on this very subject. There may be something similar where you are. You can call your local 2-1-1 number to find out. Good luck!

M.