$Unique_ID{BRK01619}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Reassuring a Child About Child Abuse}
$Subject{child abuse TV}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Reassuring a Child About Child Abuse


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QUESTION:  Recently our family watched a television show that dealt with child
abuse.  Afterwards I noted that my 9 year old daughter seemed quite upset.
What can I do to provide her with some reassurance?

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ANSWER:  What is most frightening to a child is feeling helpless in a
threatening situation.  Programs and messages that raise the issue of child
abuse without teaching kids how to handle these situations are most likely to
foster feelings of anxiety and hopelessness in children.
     The best thing you can do is to reassure your child that she has the
power to protect herself, that no one can touch her without her permission.
It's part of your responsibility as a parent to explain the difference between
"good" and "bad" touches, and to teach your child how to deal with situations
where she may be at risk (lost in a shopping center, or being followed by a
stranger, for example).  As long as these lessons are presented in the context
of a loving, trust-filled parent-child relationship, your daughter will be
able to raise questions or inform you of potential abuse without fear of being
blamed or scolded for the situation.  And that is the greatest type of
reassurance.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
