Parenting is the most responsible job that adults undertake in life and it is their duty to take care of their youngsters, take proper actions and behave in a manner that becomes a role model for their children. Society does not offer training to parents to protect their kids from molestation, but expects parents to know about it. In this article we will educate parents about it, the nature of the problem and guide them to protect a kid in the best possible manner.
We understand that child molestation is something we would not think or talk about, but we believe that education and awareness can assist adults to identify the condition and so we will discuss some warning signs and share some tips to help the victim.
Understanding the harmful behavior
It is very important to know about the issues and be able to identify the harmful behaviors before trying to protect the child.
Emotional abuse: This type of abuse can severely damage the mental health of the child or social development and may leave a lifelong psychological scar. Constant humiliating a child, frequent yelling or bullying or telling him that he is not good or worthless can be a sort of ill treatment.
Child neglect: This is a very common type of abuse and this includes failing to provide the basic necessities that may include food, hygiene, clothing or even supervision. Sometimes the physical inability of the parent may also be the reason behind the neglect and other times it may be alcohol or drug addiction that may fail to keep the child safe. Neglected children may not get their emotional or physical needs fulfilled.
Physical abuse: This involves physical harm, sexual assault or injury that may be deliberate. Using a belt or severe physical punishment to discipline may affect the kid. It is important to teach the kids what is right from wrong, but not to make them live in some sort of fear.
Warning signs of child molestation
The earlier parents are able to identify the condition, the higher are the chances of recovery from appropriate treatment. By learning the common signs of abuse or neglect, you will be able to identify the issue. Be careful if your child is –
- Showing extreme kind of behavior like demanding, aggressiveness or extremely passive
- Fearful, withdrawn or excessively anxious about doing something wrong
- Not attached to the parents or caregiver
- Having trouble sitting or walking
- Interested in seductive behavior or sexual acts inappropriate to his age
- Showing strong efforts to avoid a particular person without any reason
- Avoiding changing clothes in front of others or take part in any physical activities
- Displaying unexplained bruises, cuts or welts or injuries that have a specific pattern
Parental tips that can reduce the risk
- If your kid discusses any history of exploitation, then listen carefully and consider it seriously. Mostly children are not believed and this makes the abuse continue and the victim considers that home is also not safe and there is no help available.
- Offer full support to him and make the kid understand that he is not responsible for the ill-treatment.
- Consult a physician for a medical examination to ensure the physical condition.
- Teach children about their private parts and that no one has the right to touch their bodies.
- Explain them that they should not keep any secrets and should feel comfortable talking anything that is fun, good or bad.
Parenting can be very time intensive and a difficult task, but it is always important to support your kids emotionally and physically so that they can grow up in a healthy environment.
Summary:
Youngsters or kids may at times suffer from child molestation and a little awareness on the parent’s part can make a big difference. Proper care and preventable measures can create a protective environment and make the child feel safer.
