Is anyone else out there paranoid that somehow our children will be abused no matter what steps you take to make sure they are safe? I have talked to them about what appropriate touch is and how they can tell us anything, etc. We have been very cautious with who they spend time with and who babysits them.

So why do I have this unending fear that they will be molested by someone? It scares the living daylights out of husband and I.

HELP!

V.

Violet...

I feel you completely. I am totally paranoid with my daughter...over protective and at time I have made her over-paranoid as well. The thing is I know that no one will ever be able to touch her because she has had the "bad places" and "no secrets" talk a million times.

Still doesnt keep me from being terrified it will still happen.

Brian

Violet,

I just want you to know that how you react to it if it does happen is just as important as the steps you have taken to prevent it from happening.

I can't take away your paranoia, but abuse isn't just something that happens at random. It tends to happen more to kids who are vulnerable. You have taken steps to prevent that, and that means your kids are in a good position to fend for themselves in the world. You have yourself to thank for that, so congratulations.

Bryan

As long as you follow these steps, you're 99% assured to prevent it:


*Know where your children are at all times. Be familiar with their friends and daily activities. Teach your child if he or she becomes lost to quickly tell a policeman that he or she needs help.

*Be sensitive to changes in your children's behavior; they are a signal that you should sit down and talk to them.

* Be alert to a teenager or adult who is paying an unusual amount of attention to your children or giving them inappropriate or expensive gifts.

* Teach your children to trust their own feelings, and assure them that they have the right to say no to what they sense is wrong.

* Listen carefully to your children's fears, and be supportive in all your discussions with them.

* Teach your children that no one should approach them or touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If someone does, they must tell you immediately.

* Be careful about babysitters and any other individuals who have custody of your children. Obtain references from people you trust and see if you can have access to background screening information about these individuals. Many states give people access to sex offender registries and criminal histories.

Hummm, Paranoid lets see a couple of months ago we where at wal-mart and I went to the mens room and was on the way out when my wife sent our son in because I was still in there. As he walked around the maze to get in a man followed him and was looking at my son in a way I did not like. My first thought was to grab this guy up and start breaking bones. But I stood by the exit with my arms crossed and a evil look to me I'm sure. I feel that I must to have picked up on something because the guy just combed his hair real quick then left. Does that count as Paranoid!!!

Anyhow to add to Hauser's list.

* Don't send young boy's to the mens room alone most decent stores have a family restroom that you can check and make sure there is no one else in there first.

* Teach kids that if anyone touches them in a bad way or tries to grab them they are to hit kick and scream and they will not get in trouble for it even if it is not a stranger.

* Make sure they know that mommy and daddy are tough and that no one can hurt them. To often a child is threatened that if they talk their parents will be harmed.

* Make honesty a big deal in your home early because kids will tell lies or fibs and when we catch them and they get in trouble it makes it easier for a perp. to make them think they will not be believed.

* I think this one is very important. Teach kids to hold their heads up high and be alert of their surrounding's. I think that I was a target because I had a depressing home life near from the start and when I think back I almost always walked around with my head down. If a child looks confident of themselves it is like a sign that tells crooks there is an alarm installed this kid will tell his/her parents and might fight and make a scene exactly what they don't want.

Violet, Thanks for starting this thread I know you where asking about being paranoid but is their such a thing when we are talking about our children. But I think if one person reads this and we save one kid from having to live through what we have then hell we have all done real good.


Take care.

Brokensoul.

Damn straight!!!I don't call it paranoid.. just vigilant!!!

I don't think there is a type of kid who is more likely to get abused. ALL kids are "vulnerable."

In my experience the most important thing is to listen to your kids carefully, watch their behavior and sadly, to some extent, place absolute trust in no one. Just my experience.....

it is our responsiblity as loved ones to keep our children safe, no matter what. In this goofy world that can be a daunting task.
Do what you know in your heart is right.
M:)

I also will not let my children play with friends or cousins with their bedroom doors closed, nor will I let them play in areas where I can't easily hear or check on them (like basements or attic playrooms)

Since my spouse's abuser was a family member, I am very nervous about having the kids around certain members of that family...and I was around one of them two days ago and I don't think I can go over there again.

V.

V,
if it is uncomfortable to go, DON'T! If he needs to see them ???
let him go. Only let the kids go, if you are staying with them.
God has a way of giving us the message when the environment is not safe. Hear his voice and head the warnings. For yourself, and your children.
M:)