Body Safety & Warning Signs of Child Abuse

Episode 48  Coach Kelly Marie raises awareness of child abuse in this episode by providing ways to have a conversation with your child about body safety and warning signs of child abuse.  Always take children’s talk of being abused seriously. Call 911 or child protective services immediately! If you have questions or are unsure what to do, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.  5 RULES TO TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT BODY SAFETY Tell your child “You are the boss of your body. If someone touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, say NO, get away, and tell me.” Teach your child the proper names for their body parts. Explain that private parts are those that are covered by bathing suits and that they should stay covered. Say “it’s not OK for others to look at or touch your private parts unless that person is your doctor or me.” Let your child know that no one should ask him/her to keep a secret and that it’s never OK to keep secrets from you, especially if your child is scared or uncomfortable. Tell your child to “speak up” if someone is making them feel anxious or uncomfortable. Know the warning signs of child abuse: Unexplained or suspicious bruises, welts, burns, or fractures Unkempt or malnourished appearance Depression, anxiety, or sudden mood swings Disturbed sleep Abrupt changes in behavior (eating habits, school performance, withdrawal, aggression) Fear of a certain person or place Self-harm or suicide attempts Wetting or soiling accidents not related to toilet training Pain during urination and/or bowel movements Sexually transmitted diseases or urinary tract infection Discoloration or scarring of genital area Unusual knowledge of body parts or sex Acting out sexually with toys or other children   Mental Health Resources  Best Self Child Advocacy Group Address: 556 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 886-5437 Website: www.bestselfwny.org   Call 211 or visit www.211.org for help finding public services in your area Suicide Prevention Helpline has someone for you to talk to 24/7 call  (800) - 273 8255 Text GO to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor  Questions for the Host: Email [email protected]  Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcast  Follow or Share this Podcast from Spotify Add this show to your collection on Pandora. Support the Show with a one-time donation   Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC Produced by JazzCast Pros Podcast Production Network www.JazzCastPros.com  IG @Jazzytonair FB @JazzCastPros #MentalHealthMonday #Buffalo #NewYork #Students #Parents #ChildAbuse #warningsigns #bodysafety  #BetheLight #FrontSeatLife #JazzCastPros   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices