Make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to be an advocate for the safety and well-being of the children in your life! Today we will dive into how you can help prevent child sexual abuse, promote positive childhood experiences, and ensure safe and responsible caregiving at holiday events. Let’s go!

Keep kids safe from sexual abuse.

During the holiday season, we have the opportunity to share time with family and community members we don’t see as often. In order to reduce opportunities where child sexual abuse could occur, we can practice setting and holding boundaries. Remember, boundaries are not a punishment. Boundaries are opportunities to set expectations openly and prevent resentment.

We can practice setting boundaries such as:

• • • No forced hugs or kisses. Let’s be creative in how we say hello and goodbye and create lasting memories that include getting to choose who touches our bodies.
    • Limit one-on-one interactions  and gather in observable spaces. Let’s have sleepovers in the living room and only one person in the bathroom at a time.
    • Teach children the difference between surprises and secrets, and to tell you if they are asked to keep secrets. For example, sometimes we might let slip what present we brought, and that’s okay. Surprises are eventually meant to be shared and celebrated, while secrets are meant to stay in the dark and can make us think we will be punished if we share them.

Let’s work together and support one another in making lasting and happy holiday memories! Want to learn more about how you can help prevent child sexual abuse in your community? Take a free, virtual training from TipColorado.org!

Promote positive childhood experiences.

During the holiday season, we often find ourselves spending more time with the children in our lives. Many adults, whether they have children of their own or not, need help identifying ways to connect with children and don’t realize the power of the positive experiences they may share together. Here are a few tips and tools you can use to support the kids in your life and help make the holidays a time filled with joy.

Still unsure of how to begin the conversation with the kids in your life? Try this resiliency-building tool. The more questions a child can answer “yes” to, the greater their sense of self and connection to their family, which leads to increased well-being. This is a great tool for extended family and community caregivers to help guide their conversations with children and youth.

Parents need support too!

Don’t hesitate to reach out for support or to offer support. It is important to model for children that everyone needs help sometimes and that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, as well as to lend a helping hand to others.

Do something new.

With kids at home more often during the holidays, there’s more free time to try a new activity or learn something new as a family! Crafts, home projects, and new board games are all great options to learn and connect with children.

For some, the holidays may be a time when youth, caregivers, or families may be navigating grief or loss. Families can also use the creation of NEW traditions as an important opportunity for healing and growth through days that may feel difficult.

Here are some questions you can use to guide your family through the holiday season when navigating grief and loss:

• • • What family traditions did we celebrate before our loss?
    • What family traditions do we celebrate now?
    • How can we reshape traditions and celebrations to fit the circumstances now?

Want to learn more about how you can foster positive childhood experiences all year long? Register for a Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) training today!

Ensure safe and responsible caregiving and proper storage for substances.

If you use alcohol, cannabis, or prescription medication, ensure your children always have a safe and responsible caregiver. It is important for parents to talk about and plan around behaviors that indicate someone is under the influence or too impacted by substances to be able to safely care for and supervise children or respond effectively in a crisis.

Practice safe storage.

All alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, medications, hazardous household chemicals (including detergent pods), and other substances should be stored in their original packaging and in a locked cabinet, out of sight and out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion of any substance or hazardous chemical, contact Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222) or call 911. Learn more about safe storage strategies for all substances.

Drive and ride safely.

Do not drive while impaired, and do not let your child ride in a car with anyone who is impaired. Alcohol, medication, other substances, sleep deprivation, and medical issues can all impair one’s ability to drive safely.

Know the risks.

Engaging in illegal activities, such as using illegal drugs or abusing legal substances, puts your child at additional risk.

Find trustworthy caregivers.

Make sure that anyone caring for your children is:

• • Engaged with them, providing developmentally appropriate care and supervision.
  • Prepared to respond effectively in any crisis.
  • Knowledgeable about key aspects of child care, such as: how to calm a crying baby, how to ensure that a child is sleeping safely, and so forth.

To learn more about essential tips and guidance to help you make informed choices for your child’s safety and well-being, head to SmartChoicesSafeKids.org.

Are you a professional who works with children and families? Illuminate Colorado has developed a conversation guide for professionals in talking to families about substance use and preventing child maltreatment. Register for an upcoming training today!

Now you’re ready to make this holiday season the best one yet!

Don’t forget to sign up for a training, connect with those in your community, and take some time to relax. You’ve got this!

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