I’ve never shared this on social media before, but as a survivor of childhood SA, I can no longer stay silent. For a long time, it wasn’t that I lacked the words—it was that I was paralyzed by a deep, heavy shame. (Still do to be honest, and this is probably the most vulnerable I have ever been here) But that shame is exactly what allows these cycles to continue. So today, I’m choosing to turn my past into protection for my kids—and yours! 🛡️ Did you know that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will experience SA before they turn 18? It’s a horrendous number, and it’s why I’ve started volunteering with @saprea_org here in Utah. I want to help survivors heal and, more importantly, prevent this trauma from happening to another child. So here is how I’ve been approaching these topics at home without the “awkward” feeling: 1️⃣ Use Anatomical Names: When we play with anatomy toys, we use real words for private parts—no nicknames like “down there.” If a child knows the correct names, they can tell you exactly what happened if a boundary is ever crossed. Clarity is their best defense. 2️⃣ Remove the “Taboo”: Shame is a predator’s best friend. We use books to talk about how bodies are different and how they work. When we treat body parts like any other part of the body (like an elbow or a knee), we remove the embarrassment that often keeps kids from speaking up. 3️⃣ Surprises vs. Secrets: We use stories to teach the “Internal Alarm.” A Surprise is happy and temporary (like a gift); a Secret feels “yucky” or heavy. My kids know that an adult should never ask them to keep a secret from me. It starts with us being brave enough to have these small conversations today so they are protected tomorrow. ✨ And let me tell you, for me it is really hard to have these conversations still, but the more we practice the better we will be at it, and instead of trying to have these when they are teenagers… do it now! Comment “YES” and I’ll DM you the links to the specific books and toys we use for these strategies! motherhood mom toddler familysafety