Eps 453: Helping our kids avoid sexual exploitation with Alexandra Ford

My guest today is Alexandra Ford, and we’re tackling a scary subject today. January is human trafficking prevention month, so I want to grow everyone’s awareness with Alexandra, and we’ll share ways to keep your kids safe.  Alexandra kicks us off by explaining what human trafficking looks like in 2024 and how her own story inspires her to do this work. We try to articulate the difference between being sexually empowered and sexually exploited and the reality of the commercial sex industry. I ask Alexandra what she needed from her parents during her trafficking experience which spurs us to touch on teaching autonomy, consent, accessing help, & listening to your gut. We get into online safety and what to share and not share online (and what if you’ve already shared it?!) and how to safely introduce a device to your teen. Alexandra generously stays on a bit longer to share her wisdom on how we can make sure our teens really know they can come to us when they have a problem. Takeaways from the show What does domestic human trafficking look like in 2024?  How do I make sure this never happens to my child(ren)?  What’s the difference between being sexually empowered versus sexually exploited?   Commercial sex industry  Tangible online safety tips  Creating an environment in which your kids know they can truly come to you & share anything  “If your child has any online presence . . . it is not a matter of if a predator sees them, it’s a matter of when.”  How to safely introduce a new device to an older child or adolescent - engage, engage, engage!  Conversations in the car  “When you make a mistake, which you will, I will walk with you through it and love you through it. We will find a way to the other side, whatever it is . . . I am here.”  For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices