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Dear Parent: Work with your child to come up with

Dear Parent:

Work with your child to come up with a code word or phrase they can text you (or say) in every situation where they feel uncomfortable.

-With bullies.
-With friends applying peer pressure.
-With illegal substance use.
-With online predators.
-With play dates and sleepovers gone bad.

It can be as simple as the letter "X."

When your child calls or texts you the agreed upon code word or phrase, pick them up ASAP.

#childsafety #exitstrategy #safetyplan #parentingtips #preventionispossible #keepkidssafe #protectourkids #parentchildrelationship #awayout

Here are some random thoughts from yesterday's mid

Here are some random thoughts from yesterday's middle school body safety assemblies.

I’m always nervous before we start.
Honestly, I’m scared I’ll get heckled.
But once we share some real life child safety stats, and once I share some of what I’ve been through, the chatting in the cafeteria or gym always quiets.
And the kids give us their full attention and respect.

I won’t mention the name of the school we were at, but wow, the staff was SO GREAT!!
One teacher about melted into a puddle when I told her, “There is love here. I feel it!”

This particular school utilizes a digital helpline where kids with an issue of any kind can ask to speak with the school staff of their choosing. All schools should have this!!

To all teachers, principals, school counselors, lunch ladies, and janitors everywhere, I’m soooo grateful for every one of you.
I know it’s hard work, but in this day and age, our kids need you all more than ever!!

And finally, a huge thank you goes out to @GraceStewart and @shieldwv for coordinating with schools to make these presentations possible!
And also @liberawv for providing trained LISTENERS to listen to the students, as needed.

Thank you also, sweet girl, for gifting me with this portrait you drew of me while I was presenting. I love it!🥰

#childsafety #bodysafetyeducation #preventionispossible #keepkidssafe #stopchildabuse #believesurvivors #supportsurvivors #breakthesilence #bethechangeyouwanttoseeintheworld #protectourkids

"When you hear the term, 'sex offender,' who do yo

"When you hear the term, 'sex offender,' who do you imagine?
Most people picture a creepy male sexual predator.
However, when I visualize my abuser, I see a smiling female sex offender who was an elementary teacher, a pillar of the community."

These words are from a gripping guest blog post on my website.
This post is timely, since school is back in session after summer break.

-Learn how "educator sexual abuse" happens.
-How sexual offenders target a child.
-And how abusers groom a child.

You'll also learn the signs of a child who is being abused.

See how this young girl's school system failed her.
And the local legal system, as well.

I'm so thankful my survivor friend agreed to write her story for the benefit of parents, caregivers, and educators everywhere. And of course, the kids they love.

To read this blogpost, click on the LinkTree link in my bio.

#childsafety #bodysafety #educatorsexualabuse #signsofgrooming #survivorstory #believesurvivors #supportsurvivors #redflags #stopchildabuse #tellyourstory

Dear Survivor: Do you hate weddings, funerals, an

Dear Survivor:

Do you hate weddings, funerals, and family reunions?
Because of the possibility you may run into the person who harmed you sexually?
Or family members who didn't believe and/or support you when you disclosed?

If you answered yes, this advice is for you.

When you feel you must attend a family function--ie. your beloved grandmother's memorial service--always take someone along who is 100% committed to you and your comfort.
Who will engage you in conversation the whole time.
Who will whisk you away immediately, if need be.

Additional pro-tips:

-Sit near the door.
-Have a secret code word for when you need to exit NOW.

#believesurvivors #supportsurvivors #survivorlife #selfcare #healingtrauma #dysfunctionalfamily #familyfunctions #deathinthefamily

I have a new podcast interview to share with you!🙂

Dr. Amy Meyers, a psychotherapist in Manhattan who specializes in sibling relationships, interviewed me earlier this summer for her @drmeyerspod podcast and this is the recording of our conversation.

As is usually the case, I'm too nervous to watch or listen to it on release day.
But you can!
Then tell me how it was!

The link to watch or listen is in the LinkTree in my bio.

#podcastinterview #siblingrelationships #siblingproblems #believesurvivors #supportsurvivors #parentingproblems #parentingteens #childsafety #stopchildabuse #healingtrauma #complexptsdrecovery

Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator? If so,

Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator?

If so, here’s some advice for you.
From a survivor of child sexual abuse.

When a young person discloses sexual abuse, adults often respond in a less than ideal way.

Sometimes they SHAME the victim.
Making it seem like it was their fault.
This is devastating to a child.
Child sexual abuse is NEVER the child’s fault.

And sometimes the adult’s response MINIMIZES the abuse.
Which is also devastating.

Here’s a quick script for what to say if a child tells you they’ve experienced sexual harm:
-I believe you.
-This was not your fault.
-Thank you for telling me.
-Let’s get you some help.

Pro-tip: Try to act calm, not shocked or furious.
The child needs you to be in control.

To see how adults respond incorrectly AND correctly to disclosure of sexual abuse, read my book, “Everyone Was Silent: A memoir.”
Available on Amazon.

#believe survivors #supportsurvivors #childsafety #keepkidssafe #parentchildrelationship #parentchildbonding #parentingtip #parentingteens #healingtrauma #childabusesurvivor #healingtrauma

Diane Tarantini

Author of The Brave Knight
Child Safety Educator
Lover of cats, coffee, and sassy outfits

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Home
About
The Brave Knight
Speaking
Blog
Resources
Shop
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Home
About
The Brave Knight
Speaking
Blog
Resources
Shop
Contact

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