The Family Room - Wait, That’s Weird!

Guest: Anna Sonoda, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and psychotherapistLicensed therapist and child safety expert Anna Sonoda returns to share her book, “Wait…That’s Weird:  Spotting Strange Behavior Together.” As the mother of five whose early career took her into prisons, Anna is determined to give us a toolbox to help protect our most vulnerable.  She breaks down complex ideas into catchy, memorable acronyms. For example, “predators run on G.A.S. – grooming, access, and space,” is easily taught to both adults and children. Anna shares her four stages of grooming as the “4F formula - flattery, favoritism, forbidden fruits, and fear” and teaches how we can spot a predator by explaining the difference between smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Anna’s enthusiasm gives us hope. She smashes myths by teaching the “Trojan Horse Tactic,” explaining that predators don’t burst through the gate, but work hard to become friends. Instead of focusing on “stranger danger,” she shares that studies show 90% of harm is caused by someone they know and trust. In Anna’s own words, “It’s time for prevention to lead the conversation. No parent should reach for help and realize they weren’t warned. I’m building a movement so families can recognize grooming, intervene early, and protect with confidence.”Guest biography: Anna Sonoda has experience in trauma recovery, mental health counseling, grooming education, and child abuse prevention. Educated at Emory University with a BA in Anthropology & French Studies and a Master’s in Social Work, Anna has been licensed since 2009. She has done clinical work with convicted sexual offenders, domestic violence offenders, and dual diagnosis clients and has presented at regional and national conferences. Anna practices in Atlanta, Georgia, and her work bridges research, clinical practice, and real-world solutions that parents and caregivers can use right away.  Resources:Anna Sonoda's websiteDownloadable resources (PDFs) and booksAnna Sonoda on SubstackAnna Sonoda's blogArticle: "A child’s protection from grooming and abuse shouldn’t depend on geography" "Duck Duck Groom" episode of The Family Room with Anna Sonoda (aired Dec. 21, 2022) "Duck Duck Groom: A Guided Journal" episode of The Family Room with Anna Sonoda (aired Oct. 9, 2024)Grooming Laws 2026: A 50-State Comparative Table: Grooming / Enticement Statutes