How do Parents Participate?

A question parents often ask is “What should I begin discussing with my child to reduce her/his chances of being physically or sexually abused?” While most parents want to know how to begin the discussion, they also worry about scaring their child and making her/him afraid of all adults. This concern is probably the most common reason as to why this discussion is avoided altogether.

Research suggests that education, without the use of fear, is effective at reducing a child’s risk of sexual abuse. Age-appropriate strategies are also strongly recommended when trying to increase personal safety.

Teatree Tells includes lessons dealing with:

• Proper names for body parts, including what areas of the body are private
• Boundaries – including Okay and Not Okay touching
• Assertiveness skills
  • For example: Teaching children that it is okay to say “No” to something or someone that makes them feel confused or uncomfortable. It is also important for children to understand that it is not their fault if they cannot bring themselves to say “No” or if someone does not listen when they say “No.” Teach them to always tell an adult they can go to for help.
• The kinds of behaviours that need to be told to an adult
• Identifying Safe Adults in the child’s life
• How to get help from Safe Adults

As a parent, you play an essential role in the Teatree Tells prevention program. If your child school or child care facility is participating in Teatree Tells, they will sending activities home for you to use. The activities create opportunities to have open discussions with your child and reinforce the messages that are being introduced.

The activities that will be sent home include:

• A Teatree journal page
• A Teatree storybook
• A Teatree puppet (optional)
• Discussion questions