How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Predators?

Knowledge is power. First of all, it is important to know that sexual predators can be at your child's daycare, your child's school, your church, your doctor's office, your next door neighbor. A sexual predator can be a "baby-sitter", "coach", "teacher", "priest", "minister", "relative", "politician", "doctor", "therapist" , "police officer" "principal", and any other "trusted" profession. Anyone that you come in contact with could be a sexual predator regardless of age or gender.

So if you understand this, then you understand that you have to continually make your child aware that they have "private areas" and that their "private areas" should not be touched by anyone inappropriately. At what age? As soon as they are old enough to talk and comprehend what you are teaching them, then they should be instructed to let you know if something happens to confuse them or make them feel funny or if they pulled down their pants for anything other than "going to the potty." Also, make your child aware of "staring" or "facial expressions" and "behaviors" constantly going on around them. Even as adults, you must be aware of suspicious activity in case of assault or robbery. Your child must learn the same instincts.

You can not watch your child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the rest of their life. You may not want them to "grow" up too quickly because you are a little embarrassed about how young that you were exposed to sexuality.

According to my poll that I have taken over the years, by age 8, your child would have already been exposed to some sort of sexual conversation from other children at school or daycare or church or somewhere. So your child can be ahead of the curve or behind. If they are ahead of the curve, then make sure that they are not trying to take advantage of those who are behind. You know your child's personality. Sexual predators are children at some point as well.

I think the most important thing is to teach "privacy" and "no touching" as soon as you can. By age 2 definitely. On a separate note, I think the "sexuality talks" should come as your child has questions. It may be be uncomfortable for you, but keep it basic. As they enter into a healthy relationship or marriage, then they will find their own creativity.

As they begin dating or potentially sexually active, the talk about sexually transmitted disease should come up as well as "cold sores."

I know that this seems like a "heavy load" for your "baby." However, sexual predators look for the weak to prey on.