What does a pedophile look like? How can I keep my children safe from child
predators? Parents have pondered those
questions since the beginning of time.
Unfortunately, there is no specific “look” for pedophiles. Where are they? Take a look around you! It could be your boss, neighbor, random
stranger on the street or sadly, even your own family.
Studies show that 85-90% of children that are victims of sexual abuse are abused by someone already known to the family! I know what you thinking....I don't have any pedophiles around me. No one is acting strange towards my kids or other children I know. You cannot and must not ever get lulled into a false sense of security! Pedophiles are extremely patient and will take the time to gain your confidence, learn your family's patterns and ingratiate themselves into your life. By being the "nice" guy or gal that everyone likes and is comfortable with, they slowly start the grooming process with your kids.
Next you thinking, "My kids wouldn't let something like that go on without telling me!" Unfortunately, under the right circumstances, they may feel like they don't have a choice. The predator may be threatening to kill you or other members of the family, they may convince the child that it's natural and if the child tells anyone, they will be taken away and placed in a foster home. They may ply the child with gifts, candy, or cool trips to places you either can't afford or don't have the time to take them. There are even organizations where the predators pay for a membership to learn the "Lure of the week".
Child predators are patient, smart and organized. It is up to you as the parent to be smarter and more vigilant about who spend unsupervised time with your kids. Don't even rely on the old saying, "It will never happen to my kid." That is the worst thing you can do.
Your kids are never to young to be taught about stranger awareness and other personal safety issues such as fire and pool safety, not keeping secrets, bullying and more.
Do most important thing you can teach them is to NOT keep secrets from you! An open communication line is critical to not only keeping your children safe when they are small, but gauging what is going on in their lives when they get older.
Remember - "If you fail to plan, then plan to fail."
Until the next time...
Check us out at www.childsafetytipsandprograms.com
or our nonprofit partner www.mvacaunited.org
Check out our child safety book specifically designed for three to five year old at your favorite on-line retailer such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and more!
It is available in printed and E book format.
There is also a cool, interactive Windows 8 app by the same name!
When you shop on Amazon, you can support our nonprofit by using the following link:
