Adults, especially parents should understand that child abuse means much more than bruises or broken bones. Physical abuse is dreadful because of the scars and bruises it leaves in the child’s young and fragile body but it should be understood that not all abuse can be seen. There are other acts by an adult that can be considered as child abuse. These are ignoring their needs, leaving them without an adult’s supervision, putting children in a dangerous situation or making them feel that they are not wanted are also a forms of child abuse. Regardless of what  type of abuse, still the result is emotional harm.

Children are vulnerable to adult abuse simply because they are kids; they trust people easily. Adults who are abusing children had reached quite a number. Statistics says that about 5 children die every day as a result of abuse. Almost 3 out of these children are at the tender age of 4. Child abuse has its negative effects to the young ones. Most people who are into drug rehabilitation center stated that they were abused during their childhood days; they have become child abusers themselves.

There are ways in which parents can help their children protect themselves from adult child abusers. It starts with teaching them protection techniques at an early age. Below are some practices that you can teach your kids for them to be protected from adult abusers.

Always keep communication lines open with your child. Time should be set aside daily to talk to them about their feelings. It is a way of building trust between you and your child. It will also help them feel comfortable in talking to you and telling you when they suspect that an adult is dangerous.

There are child abusers and sometimes even bartenders who pretend to be asking help or tricking kids that there is an emergency. Role play with your kids to help them learn techniques and ways on how to act in response to these strangers. This will help them to remember the different approaches you taught them when strangers come close to them. Make it a point to explain to your children that people do not always say who they really are. Teach them to always ask a trusted person before talking to and helping strangers.

Emotional support is very important. Provide your kids with this kind of support when they tell you that they are afraid of another adult. Let them know that it is alright to feel afraid and ask them if that particular stranger did something bad to them. Providing emotional support is helping your kids protect themselves to people who can commit abusive acts.

Always teach them vital information such as their names, telephone numbers and address. Practice recalling this information with your child. Make it a point that your children know how to make calls which sometimes is necessary to reach you and other trusted adult at home.

Teaching your children these things could be a good start to allow them grow and be mindful of their surroundings.