Watching this snippet reminded me on how I handled educating my eldest about sexual abuse. Now that I have two girls, I have to be even more careful and cautious.
To begin with, I never taught my girls name codes for their private parts. Vagina is vagina. Pekpek is pekpek (in Filipino language). Pipi, pepe, pekpek and other terms that refer to vagina do not exist in our home dictionary. And that only me, their grandmas and ate Rose are allowed to touch their private parts. No one else…
Oh! They also know what “rape” means! If they happen to watch/see kissing scenes in the movies we watch, I explain them why and who are “legit” to do it. I don’t stop them from watching it. In fact, I tell them “don’t cover your eyes” (because they do as how kids would normally react). Call me weird, but I guess that’s how it should be. “Those days” and “these days” differ a lot. Parents especially moms with daughters MUST be cautious at all times.
Oftentimes, children can’t tell what is right from wrong if they are fully unaware of it. Worst, a person of authority such as teachers and even close relatives sometimes would take advantage of a child’s innocence. So why not start from home? Educate them at a very early age. Do not beat around the bush when doing so. Be straightforward and let them know the consequences. We, parents, should be frank and open especially when curiosity starts kicking in. Early, honest, and open communication between parents and kids is very important, especially when your child enters puberty. That’s when they begin asking questions. I should know, I am currently at it. So yeah, I am wishing myself good luck to a more challenging parenting stage.