Are you a music teacher who handles classes with younger batches of students? Do you want more tips in piano teaching especially the ones that are effective and useful in teaching children? Well, you've just landed on the right page. As this aims to reach out to music teachers of early childhood music education, this can surely be a good and a practical music teaching resource appropriate to specific learners of today's generation.
Teaching music seems to be a very rewarding experience; thus, teaching music as well as how to play piano or any musical instruments can be such a challenging task especially if you deal with younger batches of students - toddlers and kids. It is expected that these children might lose focus and determination in whatever they do; they can easily be destructed by many environmental or physiological factors. However, as music educators, we have to get that edge in motivating and encouraging them to stay focused and possess enthusiasm that they need in learning music.
As early as a year or two, music teachers like us, together with the students' parents, guardians, caregivers and nannies, can extend and lend a helping hand to help the children learn, appreciate and love music in their own little ways. Even in a very early age, children can process, accomplish and generate these three activities: the restoration of the natural human ability - speaking the language of music; the restoration of the natural human disposition to participate in music; and, the evolution of human full capacity to use music for personal expression, development and transformation.
With all these gifts, talents and innate skills that our young can acquire, they can simultaneously learn to integrate and express the music of their culture and tradition, highlighting and empowering the distance between the powers of development and the great wonders of music. Stimulated by their music teachers, parents and guardians, these children will be able to develop their birthright: the basic music competence. Motivated and guided by skilled, dedicated and passionate early childhood music educators, experts and enthusiasts, the musically active child can be at the heart of this renaissance in music education.
Music is indeed a gift and an ear for music is a blessing, a talent that has to be nurtured and shared. Many music and piano teachers nowadays do regard music teaching both as their passion and profession. As they devote much of their time on it and in enhancing their skills on teaching music to children aged two to seven, they need different approaches as well as innovative and interactive tips in piano teaching to make these things both achievable and effective.
Furthermore, as we make effort in meeting the needs of our younger batches of students in teaching piano and music, we also have to always remember that they are still children that have to enjoy their childhood - engaging in many recreational activities that can bring out the best and the kiddiest in them. So, let us enjoy each teaching and learning moment with our students and take each experience to the next level. Happy teaching!
Sabtu, 25 November 2017
Selasa, 07 November 2017
Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Kids - Different Methods in Early Childhood Education
As parents, we always want what is best for our kids. Many of us put a lot of premium on good education because we see education as a way to prepare our kids for the challenges they will face in the future. That is why we spend so much time researching and hunting for the best preschool to send our kids to.
When choosing the right preschool for your kids, we take several things into account. For example, most parents want preschools that are near their homes or their place of work. Tuition and fees are of course, something that parents look at. The qualifications of the teachers, the teaching method and feedback from parents are also important considerations.
These days, preschools often subscribe to a particular method of teaching. You'll hear terms like traditional, progressive, and Montessori to describe the school's approach to education. Arguably, the most popular ones are the progressive and the traditional approach to education. There has been a lot of debate on the merits of each philosophy over another. If you are just as confused as most parents are, here's a handy guide to help you understand what each teaching philosophy is all about.
Traditional Education
This type of approach to learning is one that adheres to set standards. Testing and measuring the progress of a child's learning is important in this kind of setting. There is a set curriculum that defines what is appropriate for a child to learn and to master at each grade level. Most of us grew up being educated in this type of method.
Pros:
Since this method has been around forever, it has a proven track record of producing competent kids.
There are kids that thrive in an environment where learning is structured
Easier for teachers to manage since there is a set lesson for all the children
There are a lot of materials that cater to this type of approach - things like workbooks, textbooks, etc.
Most big schools and universities use this style of teaching.
Cons:
In this type of approach there is no allowance for children's individual learning speed.
Danger of too much emphasis on lectures and instruction and not much emphasis on critical thinking.
Large classroom size; low teacher to student ratio.
Progressive Style
The progressive approach to teaching prides itself on having a student-centered learning environment. Schools that adhere to this type of style will often say that they allow children to learn through discovery or by doing. Assessment of a child's progress is done on an individual basis.
Pros:
The style and the pace of learning is centered around the child
Less emphasis on memorization and textbook instruction and more emphasis on experiential learning and critical thinking
High teacher to student ratio
Cons:
Since this is a relatively new teaching style, schools that offer this method of teaching are quite young, too.
Teachers are also new to this type of instruction and requires constant training to continue to learn how to guide their students
Usually have "higher" tuition fees than traditional schools, largely due to the higher teacher-student ratio.
Montessori Method
The Montessori method of learning believes that each child has the propensity to learn. They learn from the things and the people in their environment. A teacher's role is to create an environment that allows this innate curiosity to blossom.
Pros:
This type of method is the one we unconsciously use when children learn inside the home. The activities inside the home provide the environment that allows children to learn.
Recognizes 0 to 6 as an important stage in a child's development
Empowers children and encourages them to become active learners
Cons:
Method is usually only applied in the education of young children age 0 to 6.
Now that you know a bit about the different methods of teaching.
When choosing the right preschool for your kids, we take several things into account. For example, most parents want preschools that are near their homes or their place of work. Tuition and fees are of course, something that parents look at. The qualifications of the teachers, the teaching method and feedback from parents are also important considerations.
These days, preschools often subscribe to a particular method of teaching. You'll hear terms like traditional, progressive, and Montessori to describe the school's approach to education. Arguably, the most popular ones are the progressive and the traditional approach to education. There has been a lot of debate on the merits of each philosophy over another. If you are just as confused as most parents are, here's a handy guide to help you understand what each teaching philosophy is all about.
Traditional Education
This type of approach to learning is one that adheres to set standards. Testing and measuring the progress of a child's learning is important in this kind of setting. There is a set curriculum that defines what is appropriate for a child to learn and to master at each grade level. Most of us grew up being educated in this type of method.
Pros:
Since this method has been around forever, it has a proven track record of producing competent kids.
There are kids that thrive in an environment where learning is structured
Easier for teachers to manage since there is a set lesson for all the children
There are a lot of materials that cater to this type of approach - things like workbooks, textbooks, etc.
Most big schools and universities use this style of teaching.
Cons:
In this type of approach there is no allowance for children's individual learning speed.
Danger of too much emphasis on lectures and instruction and not much emphasis on critical thinking.
Large classroom size; low teacher to student ratio.
Progressive Style
The progressive approach to teaching prides itself on having a student-centered learning environment. Schools that adhere to this type of style will often say that they allow children to learn through discovery or by doing. Assessment of a child's progress is done on an individual basis.
Pros:
The style and the pace of learning is centered around the child
Less emphasis on memorization and textbook instruction and more emphasis on experiential learning and critical thinking
High teacher to student ratio
Cons:
Since this is a relatively new teaching style, schools that offer this method of teaching are quite young, too.
Teachers are also new to this type of instruction and requires constant training to continue to learn how to guide their students
Usually have "higher" tuition fees than traditional schools, largely due to the higher teacher-student ratio.
Montessori Method
The Montessori method of learning believes that each child has the propensity to learn. They learn from the things and the people in their environment. A teacher's role is to create an environment that allows this innate curiosity to blossom.
Pros:
This type of method is the one we unconsciously use when children learn inside the home. The activities inside the home provide the environment that allows children to learn.
Recognizes 0 to 6 as an important stage in a child's development
Empowers children and encourages them to become active learners
Cons:
Method is usually only applied in the education of young children age 0 to 6.
Now that you know a bit about the different methods of teaching.
Kamis, 26 Oktober 2017
Educational Community Employees Can Get Discounted Auto Insurance
Check out what your state says about insurance company policies. In select areas, the regulators permit carriers to utilize employee status as a basis for establishing insurance quotes!
This is why teachers and school employees can take advantage of specific auto coverage that those states promote. Some companies have slashed rates for car insurance and given the educational community free benefits along with a faster response in the event of claim compensation.
If you are fortunate enough to belong to this group, do the leg-work by researching who can offer a specialized plan. Be sure to compare quotes in relation to the type of coverage you are offered.
More about the Teachers' Auto Insurance Discount and Benefits
Question: Which auto drivers are invited to participate?
Answer: If you are presently are an employee of an accredited educational institution or a retired worker and you are a resident of the state that allows coverage by occupation, you can benefit from the program.
Question: Can you list examples of employees?
Answer: Sure. Employees of the teaching community include:
• Supervisors
• School library workers
• Early childhood teachers
• Teachers' association members
• Current school board associates
• State-licensed school staff-members
• School nursing staff
• Guidance counselors or psychologists
• Substitute teachers
Question: Can you outline the benefits of this insurance plan?
Answer: You will love the included benefits of one such program:
• Extra roadside assistance that involves car towing, tire changing, boosts for vehicles, along with other modes of assistance. In general, the benefits can be similar to those offered from a pricier roadside assistance program.
• Elite comprehensive and collision deductible waiver for accidents that happen on an educational institution's property, as well as up to $1,000 protective coverage for school property loss or damage due to a liability episode with your car.
• Special services to policyholders that include van pick up and claim service that helps with your needs.
Question: Can you give me some tips on how to find an agency that will provide an auto insurance quote on a customized plan?
Answer: First-off make sure to go to an independent insurance agency who partners with the leading insurance providers, especially one that offers this type of select coverage. You'll want to go to an established operation that employs agents that will take the time to discuss all particulars to you, while answering any pertaining concerns you may have. After all, customer service begins with the broker you are dealing with. All this helps you become the educated consumer that makes the wise decision that produces the good results you want: protective coverage at excellent discounted rates that come along with the all of the benefits you have learned about.
This is why teachers and school employees can take advantage of specific auto coverage that those states promote. Some companies have slashed rates for car insurance and given the educational community free benefits along with a faster response in the event of claim compensation.
If you are fortunate enough to belong to this group, do the leg-work by researching who can offer a specialized plan. Be sure to compare quotes in relation to the type of coverage you are offered.
More about the Teachers' Auto Insurance Discount and Benefits
Question: Which auto drivers are invited to participate?
Answer: If you are presently are an employee of an accredited educational institution or a retired worker and you are a resident of the state that allows coverage by occupation, you can benefit from the program.
Question: Can you list examples of employees?
Answer: Sure. Employees of the teaching community include:
• Supervisors
• School library workers
• Early childhood teachers
• Teachers' association members
• Current school board associates
• State-licensed school staff-members
• School nursing staff
• Guidance counselors or psychologists
• Substitute teachers
Question: Can you outline the benefits of this insurance plan?
Answer: You will love the included benefits of one such program:
• Extra roadside assistance that involves car towing, tire changing, boosts for vehicles, along with other modes of assistance. In general, the benefits can be similar to those offered from a pricier roadside assistance program.
• Elite comprehensive and collision deductible waiver for accidents that happen on an educational institution's property, as well as up to $1,000 protective coverage for school property loss or damage due to a liability episode with your car.
• Special services to policyholders that include van pick up and claim service that helps with your needs.
Question: Can you give me some tips on how to find an agency that will provide an auto insurance quote on a customized plan?
Answer: First-off make sure to go to an independent insurance agency who partners with the leading insurance providers, especially one that offers this type of select coverage. You'll want to go to an established operation that employs agents that will take the time to discuss all particulars to you, while answering any pertaining concerns you may have. After all, customer service begins with the broker you are dealing with. All this helps you become the educated consumer that makes the wise decision that produces the good results you want: protective coverage at excellent discounted rates that come along with the all of the benefits you have learned about.
Senin, 02 Oktober 2017
Help Your Child Become Healthy: Tips for Preventing Childhood Obesity
Unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and the availability of unhealthy foods are some of the main reasons why childhood obesity is becoming a public concern. In the United States, it is estimated that around 16% to 18% of children and adolescence are obese. In fact, obesity is being considered as the prevailing nutritional disorder among the children in the country.
It is important that parents help their children deal with this disorder as early as possible to prevent complications. Obese children have greater chance of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. They also have higher risk of developing bone problems, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Obesity also increases the risk of children from developing multiple myeloma and some types of cancer such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Various genetic disorders are also being associated with obesity including Down syndrome, Tuner syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
With regards to mental health, obese children tend to have low self-esteem and poor self-confidence. They are also more prone to bullying and teasing in schools. Due to the multiple effects of obesity in the physical and emotional health of children, parents should do their best to prevent their children from becoming obese. These can be done by:
Having Healthy Food Choices
The foods that parents choose to serve to their children greatly influence their food preferences. If parents always serve oily or foods with high caloric content, there is a greater chance that children will constantly ask for that same food. What parents can do is to serve their children with meals that contain lean meats, poultry, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. For snacks they can trade their child sweet treats with healthy snack foods such as low-fat pretzels, whole grain cookies, and fresh fruits.
As much as possible, parents should prevent themselves to keep unhealthy snacks and foods in the house. However, they should not deprive their children the opportunity to have occasional treats. No matter how busy their morning life is, parents should make sure that their children have something healthy to eat for breakfast.
Encouraging Children to Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to be healthy. It is a good idea if parents participate in various activities with their children. Not just because it will keep their body healthy, but because it can serve as a great bonding activity for them. It would be better if parents limit the time their children spend in playing video games, surfing the internet, or watching television. This will give children extra time to perform other activities.
Being a Good Example
Parents who are living a healthy lifestyle are more likely to influence their children to do the same. It is advisable that parents educate their children about the importance of having proper nutrition and regular exercise. This way, children can still make good choices and wise decisions even with minimal guidance from their parents.
Childhood obesity is hard to be completely eradicated. However, with proper guidance from parents and with the help of the above tips, this growing public concern can still be controlled.
It is important that parents help their children deal with this disorder as early as possible to prevent complications. Obese children have greater chance of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. They also have higher risk of developing bone problems, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Obesity also increases the risk of children from developing multiple myeloma and some types of cancer such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Various genetic disorders are also being associated with obesity including Down syndrome, Tuner syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
With regards to mental health, obese children tend to have low self-esteem and poor self-confidence. They are also more prone to bullying and teasing in schools. Due to the multiple effects of obesity in the physical and emotional health of children, parents should do their best to prevent their children from becoming obese. These can be done by:
Having Healthy Food Choices
The foods that parents choose to serve to their children greatly influence their food preferences. If parents always serve oily or foods with high caloric content, there is a greater chance that children will constantly ask for that same food. What parents can do is to serve their children with meals that contain lean meats, poultry, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. For snacks they can trade their child sweet treats with healthy snack foods such as low-fat pretzels, whole grain cookies, and fresh fruits.
As much as possible, parents should prevent themselves to keep unhealthy snacks and foods in the house. However, they should not deprive their children the opportunity to have occasional treats. No matter how busy their morning life is, parents should make sure that their children have something healthy to eat for breakfast.
Encouraging Children to Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to be healthy. It is a good idea if parents participate in various activities with their children. Not just because it will keep their body healthy, but because it can serve as a great bonding activity for them. It would be better if parents limit the time their children spend in playing video games, surfing the internet, or watching television. This will give children extra time to perform other activities.
Being a Good Example
Parents who are living a healthy lifestyle are more likely to influence their children to do the same. It is advisable that parents educate their children about the importance of having proper nutrition and regular exercise. This way, children can still make good choices and wise decisions even with minimal guidance from their parents.
Childhood obesity is hard to be completely eradicated. However, with proper guidance from parents and with the help of the above tips, this growing public concern can still be controlled.
Senin, 25 September 2017
Tips For Planning a Daycare Program - Structure and Scheduling
Despite recent trends, there are still many daycare centers that don't really offer a lot in the way of a program for the education and entertainment of the children they care for. For some business operators, daycare is just about catering to the physical needs of children and providing just enough in the way of toys and playgrounds to keep them entertained.
Thankfully, most daycares are now recognizing the need for at least some structured curriculum. The environment that a child under six is exposed to is so important in influencing their mental and physical development that we owe it to the kids to take daycare more seriously.
Good planning also makes good business sense as not only will daycare managers and staff feel more satisfied in their work but schedules full of educational activities look great when promoting a center to parents. Children that are kept busy with stimulating activities are also less likely to get bored and should display better discipline. Here are some ideas and tips for structuring a program for a daycare.
1) Don't give children access to all the toys and activities at one time. Too much access will end up meaning that they get bored with all of it. Instead you can rotate toys and activities to offer variety and maintain the interest of the children.
2) Have a schedule written up each week for children and parents to see the basic program but also make it clear that you give staff permission to deviate from the program depending on the mood of the children. Have the schedule balance rowdy activities with quiet activities throughout the day. For example, when kids wake up from their mid-day nap and are still a little sleepy you can read stories to them. Rowdy and more independent activities can be organized for mid-morning when kids are feeling fresh and have a lot of energy and in the afternoons when they get a little restless you can organize activities that are more focused and supervised.
3) Have each family buy a 'parent communication handbook' and instruct you staff to make notes about what the kids did that day and any other points that parents should be aware of. Many parents will appreciate contact from daycare staff and this helps to build a relationship and shows that you care.
4) Allocate small blocks of the schedule for children to learn 'life skills' such as brushing their teeth or carrying their empty plates to the kitchen.
5) Have a schedule for the group as a whole but also allocate time for individual learning. Give kids a chance to develop any particular interests that they may have and support and encourage them. It is worth learning some more about the Montessori approach to early childhood education and adapting and implementing some of their theories in your daycare.
6) Take at least a couple of photographs of each child every month and give these to parents or email them. You can sell them but giving them away for free offers a nice personal touch to your customer service and will help parents understand your curriculum more.
7) Design a schedule that is well rounded in activities. Depending on the age group of children, a full schedule should include music, story time, art classes and play dough and physical activities outdoors. Guest speakers can be invited to your daycare to talk to the children and you can even organize excursions if you can organize transport with child safety seats.
Feel free to try out a variety of schedules to see what works depending on the children that you care for and the resources that you have available. Keeping kids busy and ensuring that all time slots have a designated purpose is the key to daycare success. Make sure that you put in the necessary research and planning to create an exciting and educational schedule and curriculum for your kids to grow and learn.
Thankfully, most daycares are now recognizing the need for at least some structured curriculum. The environment that a child under six is exposed to is so important in influencing their mental and physical development that we owe it to the kids to take daycare more seriously.
Good planning also makes good business sense as not only will daycare managers and staff feel more satisfied in their work but schedules full of educational activities look great when promoting a center to parents. Children that are kept busy with stimulating activities are also less likely to get bored and should display better discipline. Here are some ideas and tips for structuring a program for a daycare.
1) Don't give children access to all the toys and activities at one time. Too much access will end up meaning that they get bored with all of it. Instead you can rotate toys and activities to offer variety and maintain the interest of the children.
2) Have a schedule written up each week for children and parents to see the basic program but also make it clear that you give staff permission to deviate from the program depending on the mood of the children. Have the schedule balance rowdy activities with quiet activities throughout the day. For example, when kids wake up from their mid-day nap and are still a little sleepy you can read stories to them. Rowdy and more independent activities can be organized for mid-morning when kids are feeling fresh and have a lot of energy and in the afternoons when they get a little restless you can organize activities that are more focused and supervised.
3) Have each family buy a 'parent communication handbook' and instruct you staff to make notes about what the kids did that day and any other points that parents should be aware of. Many parents will appreciate contact from daycare staff and this helps to build a relationship and shows that you care.
4) Allocate small blocks of the schedule for children to learn 'life skills' such as brushing their teeth or carrying their empty plates to the kitchen.
5) Have a schedule for the group as a whole but also allocate time for individual learning. Give kids a chance to develop any particular interests that they may have and support and encourage them. It is worth learning some more about the Montessori approach to early childhood education and adapting and implementing some of their theories in your daycare.
6) Take at least a couple of photographs of each child every month and give these to parents or email them. You can sell them but giving them away for free offers a nice personal touch to your customer service and will help parents understand your curriculum more.
7) Design a schedule that is well rounded in activities. Depending on the age group of children, a full schedule should include music, story time, art classes and play dough and physical activities outdoors. Guest speakers can be invited to your daycare to talk to the children and you can even organize excursions if you can organize transport with child safety seats.
Feel free to try out a variety of schedules to see what works depending on the children that you care for and the resources that you have available. Keeping kids busy and ensuring that all time slots have a designated purpose is the key to daycare success. Make sure that you put in the necessary research and planning to create an exciting and educational schedule and curriculum for your kids to grow and learn.
Minggu, 10 September 2017
Protecting Children From Sexual Predators - Some Useful Parenting Tips to End Childhood Sexual Abuse
Every day, we hear more reports of child abduction and/or sexual abuse by sexual predators. These predators can be strangers. However, as statistics below show, most times your children will know the perpetrators of such harmful crimes. What are some useful parenting tips to end childhood sexual abuse, protecting children from both known and unknown sexual predators?
National Statistics
RAINN (the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network) provides the following statistics. However, since childhood sexual abuse is often hidden and it is generally estimated that approximately 88% of sexual abuse cases are never reported, national statistics can vary broadly. Therefore, it is likely the crime is more extensive than these figures reflect.
1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have been sexually abused in their lifetimes in the United States
44% of sexual abuse victims are under the age of 18
93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker
Childhood sexual abuse occurs everywhere, regardless of social, economic or ethnic backgrounds
In addition, domestic violence accounts for a great amount of sexual abuse, even among children, as many domestic violence perpetrators also abuse children in the household. The strongest risk factor for the same violent behavior occurs in homes where children witness violence with and among their caregivers. In fact, boys who observe or who may be forced to participate in domestic violence, including inappropriate sexual behavior, are twice as likely to abuse both their partners and their own children when they have reached adulthood.
Cost to Society
Whether you have children or not, the problem affects everyone, as the Center for Sex Offender Management estimates that 30% to 60% of children sexually abused as children later become adult sex offenders. Furthermore, there is a definitive economic impact on society, most notably a loss of health due to the physical and emotional distress of such crimes. As victims reach adulthood, those untreated problems are further exacerbated by loss of work. Even incarceration of sentenced sex offenders attributes to a strain on the prison system and loss of revenue. Currently in the United States, almost 8 million paid workdays and 5.6 million days of household productivity are lost per year due to such destructive crimes, equivalent to 32,000 full-time jobs. The cost for loss of health, work and imprisonment translates to annual lost revenues of approximately $5.8 billion.
Look for Signs of Abuse
Many people ignore the signs of childhood sexual and physical abuse. It is important to investigate further if your child displays any of the following:
Change in Behavior and Health
Those children who fall victim to sexual perpetrators may exhibit poor physical and mental health. They could also begin having social difficulties. Furthermore, cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems may suddenly manifest.
Keeping Secrets
Sexual predators do not want to be caught. They will instruct the child to keep the 'secret' about any inappropriate behavior. Sexual perpetrators rely on the fact that children 'do as they are told' by someone older. In addition, although most people think that only adults are sexual and/or physical abusers, as the vicious cycle of abuse continues more people under the age of 18 become abusers themselves. Therefore, be cognizant of any secrets you discover being kept from you from ANYONE older than your child's age.
Withdrawing from Other Friends - Spending Time with Someone Older Than Your Child
Children can become confused about their bodies if they are violated inappropriately. The sexual acts performed can be pleasurable and many times sexual predators will tell your child that their sexual escapades are not wrong. Therefore, your child, although they may feel guilty about what is happening, may incorrectly believe that what they are doing is not improper since it feels good. Beware if you notice your child has withdrawn from others, wishing to spend alone time with another older person.
Receiving Unexplained Gifts from Others
Inappropriate sexual behavior is about control, not sex. This is one reason children are such easy targets. Sexual predators will often give gifts to your child as another way to reinforce their control over them. Always ask and investigate any unexplained gifts to your child.
Discovery of Spending Time Alone with Older Person in Isolated or Unique Locations
Sexual predators love to isolate their victims. They oftentimes will set up 'special meeting' places, away from suspicious eyes. Therefore, if you discover your child is spending time alone with someone older in any isolated or unique location, it is wise to probe further.
Ways to Protect Your Child
Trust Your Instincts
Sexual predators choose their crime victims based upon availability. Therefore, it makes sense that most victims personally know their perpetrators since they may be already easily acquainted with them in their circle of family, friends and community. Therefore, dealing with sexual abuse with someone your child may know could present additional challenges. First, the chances you will know your child's sexual predator is very high. Be open to this fact. No matter how much you may trust your spouse, your family, your friends, and members of your community, such as teachers, counselors and spiritual support, do not ignore any of the above signs of abuse. Furthermore, oftentimes a parent's instincts will alert them to a problem, but they ignore it because they already know the person. We think sexual predators look like monsters. However, they look like everyone else. Never ignore your instincts. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Communicate Early and OftenOpen a line of communication about inappropriate sexual behavior early. Establish trust with your child so that they will feel free to share anything with you. Teach your child:
Reinforce 'Stranger Danger' Rules
Many schools provide education on staying away from strangers. However, please reinforce those warnings and advice. Tell your children to stay away from strangers, do not get into their car and do not offer assistant to lone strangers, etc. If addition, travel with buddies when possible.
Saying 'No' is OK
Children are taught to do as they are told and respect adults. However, be sure they are aware that it is OK to say no when they feel uncomfortable, regardless of whom they are confronting.
Some Secrets are Bad
Instruct your child between the difference between harmless secrets shared with friends and inappropriate ones. Anything having to do with sexual behavior or physical abuse in any way needs to be shared with a child's parent.
Communicate Differences Between Different Types of Touch
Touching is a wonderful part of life. However, it is most beneficial to educate your children about the differences between different types of touching with regard to discerning the differences between 'real love' and 'fake love.' For instance, if another person speaks of love as allowing your child access to put their hands down inside your child's clothing in those areas normally covered by a bathing suit, there may be some cause for concern and evaluation. In addition, you do not want your child afraid of your doctor who may need to explore these areas. Therefore, relating touching to 'real love' and 'fake love' may help with trips to the doctor since he normally does not relate touching to love. Regardless, reiterate that sexual touching done ALONE with an older person needs to be thwarted. The best suggestion is to open the lines of communication and education. It may also be beneficial to accompany your child to the doctor.
Warn of Sexual Predators on the Internet
The internet, although a valuable source of education and information, can also be very dangerous. Be vigilant about knowing to whom your child may be communicating. Instruct them never to give out personal information online and to report to you anyone discussing keeping 'secrets' or talking about 'private' areas of the body.
Teach Your Children to Trust Their Instincts
Although there are numerous programs and parents who utilize the above tactics, there still is an overwhelming incidence of childhood sexual and physical abuse. What is lacking? If you teach children to listen to their own gut in any situation, harm can be averted. Instruct your child to listen and act on the spirit that is within them guiding them to a constructive path. If their intuition makes them uncomfortable with a certain situation, teach them to run away and get help.
Listen to Your Child
Finally, please listen to your child no matter how outrageous you may feel about their story. Once you have told your child to tell you their 'secrets' and to share whatever they are feeling and then you discount their story, you simply destroy trust. Take everything they say as truth, no matter the other person involved. Investigate further anything they tell you. After all, as a parent, it is your job to protect your child, not another adult. Listening to your child could stop harm.
Sexual predators destroy lives. However, if we all implement these useful parenting tips, childhood sexual abuse could end. Our children and society can be protected more successfully from known and unknown sexual predators. Is it not worth a try?
National Statistics
RAINN (the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network) provides the following statistics. However, since childhood sexual abuse is often hidden and it is generally estimated that approximately 88% of sexual abuse cases are never reported, national statistics can vary broadly. Therefore, it is likely the crime is more extensive than these figures reflect.
1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have been sexually abused in their lifetimes in the United States
44% of sexual abuse victims are under the age of 18
93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker
Childhood sexual abuse occurs everywhere, regardless of social, economic or ethnic backgrounds
In addition, domestic violence accounts for a great amount of sexual abuse, even among children, as many domestic violence perpetrators also abuse children in the household. The strongest risk factor for the same violent behavior occurs in homes where children witness violence with and among their caregivers. In fact, boys who observe or who may be forced to participate in domestic violence, including inappropriate sexual behavior, are twice as likely to abuse both their partners and their own children when they have reached adulthood.
Cost to Society
Whether you have children or not, the problem affects everyone, as the Center for Sex Offender Management estimates that 30% to 60% of children sexually abused as children later become adult sex offenders. Furthermore, there is a definitive economic impact on society, most notably a loss of health due to the physical and emotional distress of such crimes. As victims reach adulthood, those untreated problems are further exacerbated by loss of work. Even incarceration of sentenced sex offenders attributes to a strain on the prison system and loss of revenue. Currently in the United States, almost 8 million paid workdays and 5.6 million days of household productivity are lost per year due to such destructive crimes, equivalent to 32,000 full-time jobs. The cost for loss of health, work and imprisonment translates to annual lost revenues of approximately $5.8 billion.
Look for Signs of Abuse
Many people ignore the signs of childhood sexual and physical abuse. It is important to investigate further if your child displays any of the following:
Change in Behavior and Health
Those children who fall victim to sexual perpetrators may exhibit poor physical and mental health. They could also begin having social difficulties. Furthermore, cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems may suddenly manifest.
Keeping Secrets
Sexual predators do not want to be caught. They will instruct the child to keep the 'secret' about any inappropriate behavior. Sexual perpetrators rely on the fact that children 'do as they are told' by someone older. In addition, although most people think that only adults are sexual and/or physical abusers, as the vicious cycle of abuse continues more people under the age of 18 become abusers themselves. Therefore, be cognizant of any secrets you discover being kept from you from ANYONE older than your child's age.
Withdrawing from Other Friends - Spending Time with Someone Older Than Your Child
Children can become confused about their bodies if they are violated inappropriately. The sexual acts performed can be pleasurable and many times sexual predators will tell your child that their sexual escapades are not wrong. Therefore, your child, although they may feel guilty about what is happening, may incorrectly believe that what they are doing is not improper since it feels good. Beware if you notice your child has withdrawn from others, wishing to spend alone time with another older person.
Receiving Unexplained Gifts from Others
Inappropriate sexual behavior is about control, not sex. This is one reason children are such easy targets. Sexual predators will often give gifts to your child as another way to reinforce their control over them. Always ask and investigate any unexplained gifts to your child.
Discovery of Spending Time Alone with Older Person in Isolated or Unique Locations
Sexual predators love to isolate their victims. They oftentimes will set up 'special meeting' places, away from suspicious eyes. Therefore, if you discover your child is spending time alone with someone older in any isolated or unique location, it is wise to probe further.
Ways to Protect Your Child
Trust Your Instincts
Sexual predators choose their crime victims based upon availability. Therefore, it makes sense that most victims personally know their perpetrators since they may be already easily acquainted with them in their circle of family, friends and community. Therefore, dealing with sexual abuse with someone your child may know could present additional challenges. First, the chances you will know your child's sexual predator is very high. Be open to this fact. No matter how much you may trust your spouse, your family, your friends, and members of your community, such as teachers, counselors and spiritual support, do not ignore any of the above signs of abuse. Furthermore, oftentimes a parent's instincts will alert them to a problem, but they ignore it because they already know the person. We think sexual predators look like monsters. However, they look like everyone else. Never ignore your instincts. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Communicate Early and OftenOpen a line of communication about inappropriate sexual behavior early. Establish trust with your child so that they will feel free to share anything with you. Teach your child:
Reinforce 'Stranger Danger' Rules
Many schools provide education on staying away from strangers. However, please reinforce those warnings and advice. Tell your children to stay away from strangers, do not get into their car and do not offer assistant to lone strangers, etc. If addition, travel with buddies when possible.
Saying 'No' is OK
Children are taught to do as they are told and respect adults. However, be sure they are aware that it is OK to say no when they feel uncomfortable, regardless of whom they are confronting.
Some Secrets are Bad
Instruct your child between the difference between harmless secrets shared with friends and inappropriate ones. Anything having to do with sexual behavior or physical abuse in any way needs to be shared with a child's parent.
Communicate Differences Between Different Types of Touch
Touching is a wonderful part of life. However, it is most beneficial to educate your children about the differences between different types of touching with regard to discerning the differences between 'real love' and 'fake love.' For instance, if another person speaks of love as allowing your child access to put their hands down inside your child's clothing in those areas normally covered by a bathing suit, there may be some cause for concern and evaluation. In addition, you do not want your child afraid of your doctor who may need to explore these areas. Therefore, relating touching to 'real love' and 'fake love' may help with trips to the doctor since he normally does not relate touching to love. Regardless, reiterate that sexual touching done ALONE with an older person needs to be thwarted. The best suggestion is to open the lines of communication and education. It may also be beneficial to accompany your child to the doctor.
Warn of Sexual Predators on the Internet
The internet, although a valuable source of education and information, can also be very dangerous. Be vigilant about knowing to whom your child may be communicating. Instruct them never to give out personal information online and to report to you anyone discussing keeping 'secrets' or talking about 'private' areas of the body.
Teach Your Children to Trust Their Instincts
Although there are numerous programs and parents who utilize the above tactics, there still is an overwhelming incidence of childhood sexual and physical abuse. What is lacking? If you teach children to listen to their own gut in any situation, harm can be averted. Instruct your child to listen and act on the spirit that is within them guiding them to a constructive path. If their intuition makes them uncomfortable with a certain situation, teach them to run away and get help.
Listen to Your Child
Finally, please listen to your child no matter how outrageous you may feel about their story. Once you have told your child to tell you their 'secrets' and to share whatever they are feeling and then you discount their story, you simply destroy trust. Take everything they say as truth, no matter the other person involved. Investigate further anything they tell you. After all, as a parent, it is your job to protect your child, not another adult. Listening to your child could stop harm.
Sexual predators destroy lives. However, if we all implement these useful parenting tips, childhood sexual abuse could end. Our children and society can be protected more successfully from known and unknown sexual predators. Is it not worth a try?
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