I can't believe its been 2 years since I've updated this blog. I hope this renewed energy to posting will bring any readers back that were following it.
The year of 2010 was eventful and challenging all at the same time. We suffered from the economic downturn just as many other non-profit groups did. It was sad to see many have to close their doors due to lack of funding. We were more fortunate however. While donations were definitely down we managed to stay afloat and keep our personal safety curriculum and programs going. We did add some new and exciting programs to our library. In 2009 I had created a program called Kid Tips Kids: Keeping Private Places Private, an Activity Book with a teacher's manual and a student manual for ages 5 through 7-8. The pages for the kids included color pages of our sweet Kid Tips Kids with scenarios for them to read and talk about that put them in situations where they might have to change their clothes around someone older. In 2010 I combined the two books and this way the color pages could be reproduced at no additional cost to the client.
I also created our Bully Me No More program in 2010. These are a series of workshop manuals for instructors to put on a one to two hour workshop that is animated, energetic and humorous that teaches each age group (Kindergarten through 3rd grades; 4th through 6th and 7th through 12th) about the ways they can deal with and often avoid bully situations. It also teaches them when they are being bullied. Sometimes kids don't realize that when an adult mistreats them or abuses them in anyway its a form of bullying. We empower the kids with knowledge and skills in these dynamic workshops then send them home with booklets that are a great help to parents and the kids themselves in understanding the problem and solutions better.
The website is being updated as we speak (http://www.safenetwork.org) and a wonderful new addition is our Author's Corner. Here we have guest authors who write to and about kids and sexual abuse and learn more about what motivates them and what insight they may have on the subject. This month we are featuring Linda Garner the author of Some Secrets Hurt (http://somesecretshurt.com/). The book is special and teaches children that they don't have to keep secrets that are hurting them. Come and read her article and see if you don't agree that she is a special lady. We will be featuring other articles that she has written soon as well.
Come by and visit and see our new look. Please let us know if you have any ideas for new content, we are always open to great ideas.
Have a great week everyone, God Bless and please keep yourselves and children SAFE.
Susan Rogers
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
OJJDP Finding- Juveniles Who Sexually Victimize Juveniles
Hi everyone,
Its been too long since my last post, but I don't like to blabber on unless I feel I really have something to share. Couple that with a nasty winter cold and until the bulletin I've listed below came through my email I didn't have much that I felt strong enough about to share.
There has been a disturbing number of cases highlighted in the news lately about minors who have been caught sexually assaulting, abusing and sometimes killing other children. I shared such a story with you a couple of posts ago. Now the Office of Juvenile Justice has come out with its latest bulletin. I could ramble on about it, but instead I'm adding the link to it here so that you can read it yourself. I will share this equally disturbing fact from the report though. More than 1/3rd of reported child sexual abuse cases are cases where a minor has sexually molested another minor. For the rest of the story read on.
"Juveniles Who Commit Sex Offenses Against Minors" (NCJ 227763) is available online at www.ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=249770.
What this means to parents is that we can no longer allow our children to assume that all other kids are safe. The only bad guys out there are not adults. Another fact that poses the question of what is happening in our society that creates juvenile child molesters is this one also noted in the same OJJDP report: "Juveniles who commit sex offenses against other children are more likely than adult sex offenders to offend in groups, at schools, and to have more male and younger victims."
Here again is even more data proving that we have to arm our children with all of the skills and information we can give them to know how to respond with faced with a potentially threatening situation when loving adults are not around for them to look to and for help in making that decision.
There are a few, fortunately very few, but a few individuals out there who say that kids can't remember what they have been taught when faced with a dangerous scenario. The stories we get back from clients who are educating the children and families they are responsible for say otherwise. All to often even young children are not given enough credit for their ability to retain information if they are given it in a repetitive and on-going formulation of lessons. I can't think of a better gift to give a child or teen this year that the knowledge of how to stay safe in a very unsafe world.
I believe that those who view these blog posts already understand these facts, but it never hurts to repeat them, and remind everyone, that we can make a difference in the lives of the children we work with, if we understand that they are smarter, more resilient and retain information better than any generation that has gone on before them. So please review our curriculum at the link provided for safenetwork.org, including our parent help materials and other programs, and begin, or continue with a new dedication the education and empowerment of children and teens so they can be prepared to face the predators, pedophiles and other deviants out there. On the main page of our website the Quick Links have a link entitled SHOP. Click on that and it will take you to the pages that show our materials and lead you to pages that explain what is in them.
If I don't get the chance to post again before Christmas and the other holidays that fall this time of year, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christ, Happy Holiday and Wonderful New Year. And please, stay safe people.
Susan Rogers
Director
Safety Awareness & Family Education Network, Inc.
[S.A.F.E. Network, Inc.]
1800.643.3310
http://www.safenetwork.org
sue@safenetwork.org
Its been too long since my last post, but I don't like to blabber on unless I feel I really have something to share. Couple that with a nasty winter cold and until the bulletin I've listed below came through my email I didn't have much that I felt strong enough about to share.
There has been a disturbing number of cases highlighted in the news lately about minors who have been caught sexually assaulting, abusing and sometimes killing other children. I shared such a story with you a couple of posts ago. Now the Office of Juvenile Justice has come out with its latest bulletin. I could ramble on about it, but instead I'm adding the link to it here so that you can read it yourself. I will share this equally disturbing fact from the report though. More than 1/3rd of reported child sexual abuse cases are cases where a minor has sexually molested another minor. For the rest of the story read on.
"Juveniles Who Commit Sex Offenses Against Minors" (NCJ 227763) is available online at www.ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=249770.
What this means to parents is that we can no longer allow our children to assume that all other kids are safe. The only bad guys out there are not adults. Another fact that poses the question of what is happening in our society that creates juvenile child molesters is this one also noted in the same OJJDP report: "Juveniles who commit sex offenses against other children are more likely than adult sex offenders to offend in groups, at schools, and to have more male and younger victims."
Here again is even more data proving that we have to arm our children with all of the skills and information we can give them to know how to respond with faced with a potentially threatening situation when loving adults are not around for them to look to and for help in making that decision.
There are a few, fortunately very few, but a few individuals out there who say that kids can't remember what they have been taught when faced with a dangerous scenario. The stories we get back from clients who are educating the children and families they are responsible for say otherwise. All to often even young children are not given enough credit for their ability to retain information if they are given it in a repetitive and on-going formulation of lessons. I can't think of a better gift to give a child or teen this year that the knowledge of how to stay safe in a very unsafe world.
I believe that those who view these blog posts already understand these facts, but it never hurts to repeat them, and remind everyone, that we can make a difference in the lives of the children we work with, if we understand that they are smarter, more resilient and retain information better than any generation that has gone on before them. So please review our curriculum at the link provided for safenetwork.org, including our parent help materials and other programs, and begin, or continue with a new dedication the education and empowerment of children and teens so they can be prepared to face the predators, pedophiles and other deviants out there. On the main page of our website the Quick Links have a link entitled SHOP. Click on that and it will take you to the pages that show our materials and lead you to pages that explain what is in them.
If I don't get the chance to post again before Christmas and the other holidays that fall this time of year, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christ, Happy Holiday and Wonderful New Year. And please, stay safe people.
Susan Rogers
Director
Safety Awareness & Family Education Network, Inc.
[S.A.F.E. Network, Inc.]
1800.643.3310
http://www.safenetwork.org
sue@safenetwork.org
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Updating, Giving Thanks & Holiday Pondering
Yesterday was an awesome day. We put on our Train the Trainer workshop for about 15 volunteer & paid staff of the Fresno (Calif) Air National Guard. Quite often we only get about 6 hours, including lunch, to put on a 6-7 hour workshop and are pressed to get everything in that we feel is important to prepare the participants to use the curriculum, not only to train other trainers, but to teach kids, teens and parents. We were given 8 hours to present, so with breaks and lunch we were able to get through the program without giving up any content.
I am so very impressed with the people that are connected to the "Guard". They are intuitive, dedicated and sharp. This was only the first of several trainings we will be putting on over the next couple of months up and down California and it was a great start.
There were meaninful questions and thought provoking ideas brought out that will help as I continue to hone and fine tune the curriculum with additional material to make it even better. Another thing I love about the Guard is that they recognize the incredible value of using teenagers to cross-age and peer train. I always love to meet and work with teens that have the drive to do something beside just listen to their ipods and text back and forth to friends. I met two such young ladies that just impressed the heck out of me and I don't impress that easily.
It was tiring, because we were on stage for a longer period of time than usual, but at the same time it was invigorating and kept the adrenalin pumping all day.
Sitting in church today the speakers were talking about having a thankful heart and how important it is to have that kind of attitude not just during these holidays, but all the time. It made me revisit the things I'm thankful for. The list is so great it would take a book to put it all in, but I have to say that while I sometimes get upset with the parts of our government that need major fixing, I am ever so thankful to live in a land that is free. Free to speak our minds, free to rise up, free to make mistakes and free to practice whatever form of religion we individually believe in. I am also grateful for those men and women who fight tirelessly to keep our country from the falling prey to changes in our constitution that would bring tyranny, socialistim and other such changes to our bear in our country.
I think most people accept that there is a "higher power", whether they call it God, Allah, Buddah, Mohammed, or something else. As for those who don't believe, they have the freedom to practice that unbelief as well. As for me, I thank my God every day for having been given the gifts I have; For not being afraid to speak out for those who can't speak for themselves. For, even as an "old dog" (as in old dogs can learn new tricks), being able to learn how to use a computer, use the internet, create websites, and now stumble my way through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and blogging with literally no training. I am forever grateful having felt the call to create S.A.F..E. Network and begin this past decade's journey into child sex abuse prevention. I am also grateful for the numberless organizations and individuals who speak out for, and work on behalf of, those children who are being abducted, assaulted, abused and exploited in all the hideous ways that man can conjure up. People who are fighting to find them, free them, and bring them back home to those who love and care about them.
I am so very grateful for a father and mother who were my biggest fans no matter what I attempted, and each time something failed, was encouraged to keep trying. My husband and children have been my cheering section, although there were times when the kids weren't too sure about mom's mission, they supported me anyway.
My greatest thanks have to go out though, to God and my husband. God for all the reasons I mentioned above, even more, for having given me the most tremendous gift that I could have ever asked for. A man who wanted a companion, partner, lover and best friend who could walk beside him hand in hand facing all challenges as equal partners. That is what he has been for the past 26 years, and continues to be even now. The challenges we have faced together could have and often do tear couples apart. All they did was bring us closer together. I love and adore him for having the faith in me to walk this incredible journey with me and never once complain.
As I reflect on the season. I understand that there are many different ideas on the "reason for the season". As a Christian I also appreciate and respect the many other idealogies that other faiths and peoples have and am glad that they can find other things to celebrate that are just as important to them as Christmas is to me. One common thread that I believe weaves its way through all of our various celebrations is that we all believe in celebrating life, the gift of family and the power that mankind has to change things for the better.
We are in a time when there is much strife in the world. Wars are raging; Soldiers are dying or coming home injured; the actions of some governments , including our own here in the U.S. are being questioned by their people; yet, we still keep moving forward with faith and courage and the knowledge that tomorrow is an open clean slate who's experiences have yet to be written.
It is my holiday wish and prayer that those of us fighting in the war against our children will never falter, never give up, never feel that it is hopeless. Because for every child that comes home, for every child that is set free from any sort of bondage, every child that no longer has to fear the footsteps coming down the hall, we have met the day's foe and beat them back ..... one child at a time.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and if I don't get a chance to write again before the big day, my prayer is that your holiday will be filled with warmth, family and joy.
I am so very impressed with the people that are connected to the "Guard". They are intuitive, dedicated and sharp. This was only the first of several trainings we will be putting on over the next couple of months up and down California and it was a great start.
There were meaninful questions and thought provoking ideas brought out that will help as I continue to hone and fine tune the curriculum with additional material to make it even better. Another thing I love about the Guard is that they recognize the incredible value of using teenagers to cross-age and peer train. I always love to meet and work with teens that have the drive to do something beside just listen to their ipods and text back and forth to friends. I met two such young ladies that just impressed the heck out of me and I don't impress that easily.
It was tiring, because we were on stage for a longer period of time than usual, but at the same time it was invigorating and kept the adrenalin pumping all day.
Sitting in church today the speakers were talking about having a thankful heart and how important it is to have that kind of attitude not just during these holidays, but all the time. It made me revisit the things I'm thankful for. The list is so great it would take a book to put it all in, but I have to say that while I sometimes get upset with the parts of our government that need major fixing, I am ever so thankful to live in a land that is free. Free to speak our minds, free to rise up, free to make mistakes and free to practice whatever form of religion we individually believe in. I am also grateful for those men and women who fight tirelessly to keep our country from the falling prey to changes in our constitution that would bring tyranny, socialistim and other such changes to our bear in our country.
I think most people accept that there is a "higher power", whether they call it God, Allah, Buddah, Mohammed, or something else. As for those who don't believe, they have the freedom to practice that unbelief as well. As for me, I thank my God every day for having been given the gifts I have; For not being afraid to speak out for those who can't speak for themselves. For, even as an "old dog" (as in old dogs can learn new tricks), being able to learn how to use a computer, use the internet, create websites, and now stumble my way through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and blogging with literally no training. I am forever grateful having felt the call to create S.A.F..E. Network and begin this past decade's journey into child sex abuse prevention. I am also grateful for the numberless organizations and individuals who speak out for, and work on behalf of, those children who are being abducted, assaulted, abused and exploited in all the hideous ways that man can conjure up. People who are fighting to find them, free them, and bring them back home to those who love and care about them.
I am so very grateful for a father and mother who were my biggest fans no matter what I attempted, and each time something failed, was encouraged to keep trying. My husband and children have been my cheering section, although there were times when the kids weren't too sure about mom's mission, they supported me anyway.
My greatest thanks have to go out though, to God and my husband. God for all the reasons I mentioned above, even more, for having given me the most tremendous gift that I could have ever asked for. A man who wanted a companion, partner, lover and best friend who could walk beside him hand in hand facing all challenges as equal partners. That is what he has been for the past 26 years, and continues to be even now. The challenges we have faced together could have and often do tear couples apart. All they did was bring us closer together. I love and adore him for having the faith in me to walk this incredible journey with me and never once complain.
As I reflect on the season. I understand that there are many different ideas on the "reason for the season". As a Christian I also appreciate and respect the many other idealogies that other faiths and peoples have and am glad that they can find other things to celebrate that are just as important to them as Christmas is to me. One common thread that I believe weaves its way through all of our various celebrations is that we all believe in celebrating life, the gift of family and the power that mankind has to change things for the better.
We are in a time when there is much strife in the world. Wars are raging; Soldiers are dying or coming home injured; the actions of some governments , including our own here in the U.S. are being questioned by their people; yet, we still keep moving forward with faith and courage and the knowledge that tomorrow is an open clean slate who's experiences have yet to be written.
It is my holiday wish and prayer that those of us fighting in the war against our children will never falter, never give up, never feel that it is hopeless. Because for every child that comes home, for every child that is set free from any sort of bondage, every child that no longer has to fear the footsteps coming down the hall, we have met the day's foe and beat them back ..... one child at a time.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and if I don't get a chance to write again before the big day, my prayer is that your holiday will be filled with warmth, family and joy.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Taking Off The Gloves
Today our National Training Director was talking with an Army Community Service Director. They had spoken previously when she was stationed at another base and had not been very interested in our programs in the past. Now in a new position she had cause to reflect with a different perspective on our mission and the services we have been providing to the military on behalf of sex abuse prevention. She wanted to go to our website as they spoke, and after giving her the url, she became very silent. He asked her if she was still there and she said yes, to just give her a minute. Her next words were "You really don't play fair.". She then said, "This is a horrible video on your main page, its really good, but its also really horrible."
The video she was referring to is new on the site. Its actually a trailer to a bit longer video on a linked page that is also part of the article that is entitled Taking Off The Gloves. In the past I have always put a great deal of thought into what goes on our main page. I like to give a lot of content, not just fluff, but content with relevancy. The video she spoke of is one that I found on YouTube along with several others that are on the other page linked in the article.
I've always played it safe, not wanting to make anyone shy away from our site, but enticing them with enough helpful information that they will stay and search through our library and resource pages along with the pages that show our curriculum and other programs and family support materials that are geared to educating our children on how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual abuse, abduction and exploitation.
Recently as I have had the opportunity to twitter with, and link to many individuals and organizations that are working towards the same end as we are, I began to realize that in order to get people to take a second look I needed to get their attention in the first place. We have shared many statistics and data that should get people's blood boiling over the atrocities that are being commited against our children, but haven't really made the impact I have been looking for.
The emotion and response that was evoked from this woman as she finished watching the video were exactly the kind of response I was hoping to get. All to often even some of those who work in this field forget the personal, human side of the issue. Until it is staring you in the face it can be easy to put the harsh reality in a shadow in the background. My promise to myself and all of those children that we are trying to inoculate from the horrors of sexual abuse is that I will never again be a pansy, afraid to put the real images of this ugly truth up front and personal.
I must applaud those of you who saw the need for this direction much much earlier than me, and thank you for being great teachers. It just proves that even a grey haired old great-grandmother can learn new tricks and be willing to admit when she does.
Please visit http://www.safenetwork.org/ and let me know what you think of our new look. Even after all these years we are still learning and evolving, any input is always appreciated.
The video she was referring to is new on the site. Its actually a trailer to a bit longer video on a linked page that is also part of the article that is entitled Taking Off The Gloves. In the past I have always put a great deal of thought into what goes on our main page. I like to give a lot of content, not just fluff, but content with relevancy. The video she spoke of is one that I found on YouTube along with several others that are on the other page linked in the article.
I've always played it safe, not wanting to make anyone shy away from our site, but enticing them with enough helpful information that they will stay and search through our library and resource pages along with the pages that show our curriculum and other programs and family support materials that are geared to educating our children on how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual abuse, abduction and exploitation.
Recently as I have had the opportunity to twitter with, and link to many individuals and organizations that are working towards the same end as we are, I began to realize that in order to get people to take a second look I needed to get their attention in the first place. We have shared many statistics and data that should get people's blood boiling over the atrocities that are being commited against our children, but haven't really made the impact I have been looking for.
The emotion and response that was evoked from this woman as she finished watching the video were exactly the kind of response I was hoping to get. All to often even some of those who work in this field forget the personal, human side of the issue. Until it is staring you in the face it can be easy to put the harsh reality in a shadow in the background. My promise to myself and all of those children that we are trying to inoculate from the horrors of sexual abuse is that I will never again be a pansy, afraid to put the real images of this ugly truth up front and personal.
I must applaud those of you who saw the need for this direction much much earlier than me, and thank you for being great teachers. It just proves that even a grey haired old great-grandmother can learn new tricks and be willing to admit when she does.
Please visit http://www.safenetwork.org/ and let me know what you think of our new look. Even after all these years we are still learning and evolving, any input is always appreciated.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Had To Share 'Awesome Work' Comments
I had to share this with everyone, because it came in on my "first blog". I didn't realize I had our first blog only linked to our website so I've since fixed it and now when you go to our blog you get the latest blog post, along with all the previous posts.
One of the twitter sites I'm following is called @mommiesfaves. I loved the concept of this site because it brings moms and parents in general together in a way that creates a supportive community and provides really great information.
Anyway, I received a great response from mommiesfaves that I wanted to make sure no one missed. So I am placing it here with my response to follow it. Hope you all enjoy.
From: Tree
To: sue@safenetwork.org
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:57 PM
Subject: [SafeKidsNet] New comment on First Blog.
Tree has left a new comment on your post "First Blog":
Awesome work! And I'm glad to see that you have a blog for a more personal touch now. I have used KidPrints many times in the past as a mother of 5 and grandmom of 2. And I actually remember getting the first kit in a Walmart when our oldest was around 11 years old. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for your comments. I'm still figuring the blogging thing out, but working at it a little each day. If you have seen our ID kits lately, you'll notice how much more improved they are from that very first one. I hear from someone every now and then who started with us that long ago. It makes my heart fill with joy to hear from people like yourself.
I love what you are doing as well. Bringing sites and parents together in the way you are is a wonderful endeavor and I know from my own experience how much work it can be. You also continue to be the shining example you are to families that you are. I'm glad to have made a connection with you, and look forward to further contributions from you in our blog.
Susan Rogers
SAFEKidsNet
http://www.safenetwork.org
mommiesfaves,
I love what you are doing as well. Bringing sites and parents together in the way you are is a wonderful endeavor and I know from my own experience how much work it can be. You also continue to be the shining example you are to families that you are. I'm glad to have made a connection with you, and look forward to further contributions from you in our blog.
Susan Rogers
SAFEKidsNet
http://www.safenetwork.org/
Its always good to hear from individuals who have been using any of our personal protection materials over the years. Should you be one of them, please let us hear from you. Have a great day everyone.
One of the twitter sites I'm following is called @mommiesfaves. I loved the concept of this site because it brings moms and parents in general together in a way that creates a supportive community and provides really great information.
Anyway, I received a great response from mommiesfaves that I wanted to make sure no one missed. So I am placing it here with my response to follow it. Hope you all enjoy.
From: Tree
To: sue@safenetwork.org
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:57 PM
Subject: [SafeKidsNet] New comment on First Blog.
Tree has left a new comment on your post "First Blog":
Awesome work! And I'm glad to see that you have a blog for a more personal touch now. I have used KidPrints many times in the past as a mother of 5 and grandmom of 2. And I actually remember getting the first kit in a Walmart when our oldest was around 11 years old. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for your comments. I'm still figuring the blogging thing out, but working at it a little each day. If you have seen our ID kits lately, you'll notice how much more improved they are from that very first one. I hear from someone every now and then who started with us that long ago. It makes my heart fill with joy to hear from people like yourself.
I love what you are doing as well. Bringing sites and parents together in the way you are is a wonderful endeavor and I know from my own experience how much work it can be. You also continue to be the shining example you are to families that you are. I'm glad to have made a connection with you, and look forward to further contributions from you in our blog.
Susan Rogers
SAFEKidsNet
http://www.safenetwork.org
mommiesfaves,
I love what you are doing as well. Bringing sites and parents together in the way you are is a wonderful endeavor and I know from my own experience how much work it can be. You also continue to be the shining example you are to families that you are. I'm glad to have made a connection with you, and look forward to further contributions from you in our blog.
Susan Rogers
SAFEKidsNet
http://www.safenetwork.org/
Its always good to hear from individuals who have been using any of our personal protection materials over the years. Should you be one of them, please let us hear from you. Have a great day everyone.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
'Specially For Moms & Dads
Oh how I love the rain. Just a light rain today, but kissing the ground, plants and trees and making the air so very clean. Yes, I really love the rain.
I have just changed blog templates temporarily, partly because you can read more without scrolling for 2 hours, and because as much as I love the sea, the one I was using was a bit dreary. I'm looking for something snazzier and trying to figure out how I can use it on blogger.com. If I can't I may be switching blog locations any help would be appreciated.
I've spent the morning browsing through Twitter sites of moms and dads, some sites that have helpful products and services and general parenting help insights for parents with kids of all ages. I have been so impressed by all of you; the ones like @RenegadeMom, @WheelchairMommy, the mommies-to-be and the mommies that have 2 kids through 6 and more. You are all amazing!
You all have so many talents and so much energy. I can remember having that kind of energy once, but as the years have gone on most of my energy is spent enjoying my grand & great-grand children, and fulfilling my passion for keeping your children and teens safe from sexual predators, as well as my own family's children.
Before I go on, after you have read this blog I would love to get some feedback and input from any and all of you. Things you have done to help protect your kids, or things that have happened to your children that taught lessons to them and you that you would be willing to pass along to others. This is a blog for you, to support and hopefully provide education that will assist in your mission as a parent. All those lessons don't need to come from me, they can and should come from you as well.
I have just begun following many of you so you may not be familiar with who we are. My first blog tells all about us and me as well. But in a quick synopsis I created Safety Awareness & Family Education Network, Inc. (S.A.F.E. Network) 10 years ago. I wanted to help families keep their children safe. My first effort in that regard was my KidPrints Safety ID Kit. Over the years it has grown from that one id kit to BabyPrints, & TeenPrints Safety ID Kits, a parenting guide for keeping kids safe from sexual predators, a teen dating journal, an new parent program and a teen parent program along with a curriculum, the Personal Protection Empowerment Program for kids K-12 grades. There are also games and a great video that teaches kids how to get away from a potential abduction, workshops, training, and so much more.
Thats our non-profit mission in a nutshell. But what I want to share with all of you today is how easy it is to keep your babies and children safe from the tricks and lures that predators use to lure them, and make you feel comfortable with their presence in your lives. You all are so loving and caring on behalf of your kids and I know that you want to believe that everyone in their life is loving and truly cares about their welfare. My hope is that you are right. Fortunately there is a way to tell who fits that category and who doesn't; those people who filter into your life through one avenue or another and become a fixture in ways that cause you to not even think of them in any particular way at all.
The best way to understand who these people are is to recognize behaviors. Subtle things they do that can trick, lure and trap your children without you knowing. The second best way to beat them at their own game is to build a relationship with your child that lets them know that no matter what someone says or what they may have done or been forced to do, you will love them anyway. Predators count on parents not noticing the changes in their children's behavior when they have been victimized. They threaten kids into silence making them believe you won't love them anymore, or won't believe them. If you sit your kids down, say, on a weekly basis and talk with them, laugh with them and practice little role-plays with them related to how predators might try to get them to do things, you will build their trust and give them more confidence about what to do when away from loving caring adults.
Please visit our website at http://www.safenetwork.org for much more helpful information, and take your children to our kids website http://kidtips101.org, if you have preteens (11-12) or teenagers, our teen site is perfect because it gets into other aspects of life, like dating safety.
So now that we have been introduced please come back often and share, read and enjoy.
I have just changed blog templates temporarily, partly because you can read more without scrolling for 2 hours, and because as much as I love the sea, the one I was using was a bit dreary. I'm looking for something snazzier and trying to figure out how I can use it on blogger.com. If I can't I may be switching blog locations any help would be appreciated.
I've spent the morning browsing through Twitter sites of moms and dads, some sites that have helpful products and services and general parenting help insights for parents with kids of all ages. I have been so impressed by all of you; the ones like @RenegadeMom, @WheelchairMommy, the mommies-to-be and the mommies that have 2 kids through 6 and more. You are all amazing!
You all have so many talents and so much energy. I can remember having that kind of energy once, but as the years have gone on most of my energy is spent enjoying my grand & great-grand children, and fulfilling my passion for keeping your children and teens safe from sexual predators, as well as my own family's children.
Before I go on, after you have read this blog I would love to get some feedback and input from any and all of you. Things you have done to help protect your kids, or things that have happened to your children that taught lessons to them and you that you would be willing to pass along to others. This is a blog for you, to support and hopefully provide education that will assist in your mission as a parent. All those lessons don't need to come from me, they can and should come from you as well.
I have just begun following many of you so you may not be familiar with who we are. My first blog tells all about us and me as well. But in a quick synopsis I created Safety Awareness & Family Education Network, Inc. (S.A.F.E. Network) 10 years ago. I wanted to help families keep their children safe. My first effort in that regard was my KidPrints Safety ID Kit. Over the years it has grown from that one id kit to BabyPrints, & TeenPrints Safety ID Kits, a parenting guide for keeping kids safe from sexual predators, a teen dating journal, an new parent program and a teen parent program along with a curriculum, the Personal Protection Empowerment Program for kids K-12 grades. There are also games and a great video that teaches kids how to get away from a potential abduction, workshops, training, and so much more.
Thats our non-profit mission in a nutshell. But what I want to share with all of you today is how easy it is to keep your babies and children safe from the tricks and lures that predators use to lure them, and make you feel comfortable with their presence in your lives. You all are so loving and caring on behalf of your kids and I know that you want to believe that everyone in their life is loving and truly cares about their welfare. My hope is that you are right. Fortunately there is a way to tell who fits that category and who doesn't; those people who filter into your life through one avenue or another and become a fixture in ways that cause you to not even think of them in any particular way at all.
The best way to understand who these people are is to recognize behaviors. Subtle things they do that can trick, lure and trap your children without you knowing. The second best way to beat them at their own game is to build a relationship with your child that lets them know that no matter what someone says or what they may have done or been forced to do, you will love them anyway. Predators count on parents not noticing the changes in their children's behavior when they have been victimized. They threaten kids into silence making them believe you won't love them anymore, or won't believe them. If you sit your kids down, say, on a weekly basis and talk with them, laugh with them and practice little role-plays with them related to how predators might try to get them to do things, you will build their trust and give them more confidence about what to do when away from loving caring adults.
Please visit our website at http://www.safenetwork.org for much more helpful information, and take your children to our kids website http://kidtips101.org, if you have preteens (11-12) or teenagers, our teen site is perfect because it gets into other aspects of life, like dating safety.
So now that we have been introduced please come back often and share, read and enjoy.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Need Input & Help
It's Tuesday morning, and I'm truly enjoying the cooler weather. I know soon it will go from cool to cold, but that's ok too, because then I can bundle up and drink my hot peppermint tea and feel all cozy and such.
It's been wonderful to see the outpouring of love and concern for the families at Fort Hood. The memorial service is today, I hope and pray for the families and Ft. Hood community at large that all goes well today and that there are no unwanted incidents.
Little Alex Mercado, the 4 year old boy who was molested and killed by his 14 year old next door neighbor was laid to rest yesterday. When you have this kind of loss in a small community it hits everyone hard. These kind of situations are why we work so hard on behalf of children and teens everywhere to get our education into any group and organization that works with children so they can provide the life skills that can help keep these dear ones from experiencing the horrors of sexual abuse, abduction and exploitation.
I have been pondering a great deal lately on how to find out the statistics that connect possible suicides and runaways with sexual abuse cases. I have felt for a long time that there is a direct link between children and teens being molested on an on-going basis and behaviors that include suicide, running away, child prostitution and drug / alcohol addictions. If anyone knows where I might find any related statistics I'd greatly appreciate it.
Working hard to finish two bully prevention booklets for the 5-9 age group and an manual for both Elementary age and Middle/High School age groups. Plan to launch them in January along with our other updated programs. I'm keeping the nose to the grindstone because there are so many projects on the desk I can't afford to play too much.
The Army and National Guard are gearing up already for April's Child Abuse Prevention Month & Month of the Military Child. We're already getting calls from bases building their plan of action.
Well, better get busy its a beautiful day and I can't waist a minute of it. Thanks to all those new Twitter followers. We now in just 3 weeks have over 700 followers. Every one is appreciated. I'd love to hear from some of you on what you are now doing to educate your kids on personal safety and what we might be able to assist you in. Our website has a ton of information and our kid's websites as well.
Don't forget to visit http://www.safenetwork.org/, for kids http://www.kidtips101.org/ and for your teens http://www.safeteens101.org/
It's been wonderful to see the outpouring of love and concern for the families at Fort Hood. The memorial service is today, I hope and pray for the families and Ft. Hood community at large that all goes well today and that there are no unwanted incidents.
Little Alex Mercado, the 4 year old boy who was molested and killed by his 14 year old next door neighbor was laid to rest yesterday. When you have this kind of loss in a small community it hits everyone hard. These kind of situations are why we work so hard on behalf of children and teens everywhere to get our education into any group and organization that works with children so they can provide the life skills that can help keep these dear ones from experiencing the horrors of sexual abuse, abduction and exploitation.
I have been pondering a great deal lately on how to find out the statistics that connect possible suicides and runaways with sexual abuse cases. I have felt for a long time that there is a direct link between children and teens being molested on an on-going basis and behaviors that include suicide, running away, child prostitution and drug / alcohol addictions. If anyone knows where I might find any related statistics I'd greatly appreciate it.
Working hard to finish two bully prevention booklets for the 5-9 age group and an manual for both Elementary age and Middle/High School age groups. Plan to launch them in January along with our other updated programs. I'm keeping the nose to the grindstone because there are so many projects on the desk I can't afford to play too much.
The Army and National Guard are gearing up already for April's Child Abuse Prevention Month & Month of the Military Child. We're already getting calls from bases building their plan of action.
Well, better get busy its a beautiful day and I can't waist a minute of it. Thanks to all those new Twitter followers. We now in just 3 weeks have over 700 followers. Every one is appreciated. I'd love to hear from some of you on what you are now doing to educate your kids on personal safety and what we might be able to assist you in. Our website has a ton of information and our kid's websites as well.
Don't forget to visit http://www.safenetwork.org/, for kids http://www.kidtips101.org/ and for your teens http://www.safeteens101.org/
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