It should come as no shock to anyone that we are living in very sexual culture, one which targets younger and younger members of society each and every day. Not a day goes by that disturbing news of child sex predators, groomers and even companies, think Balenciaga are being exposed. Leaving parents to hold on to their kids even tighter before kissing them good night.

I recently read an article that shared tips from a child crimes investigator, Terra Avilla, the mother of three and investigator with the District Attorney’s office in Susanville, California had the following important tips, tips she follows with her own kids:

Number One—No Sleepovers

She’s quoted as saying “I would not let them attend sleepovers, of course this always draws a huge backlash, but after 11 p.m., there is nothing productive and good happening there.”
Hard to argue that point!
She went to on to say “While I may trust the parents of my children’s friends, I have no control over who else may ‘pop’ in while my kid is there. The friends of their siblings, friends of the parents, neighbors, etc.”
Certainly, something to think about and known to happen!

Number Two—No Snapchat

“Nothing good comes from this app,” she unpacked this further by saying
“Put all of their social medias on private and … refrain from talking to strangers on any social media platforms.” Expanding on this she went on to say, “Predators utilize fake accounts, pictures, even fake videos, phone numbers etc., to persuade young minds into thinking that they are their peers.

“Once they feel like this ‘person’—predator—is their friend, they have groomed them into sending photos and other personal information.

“Children are very trusting and with less exposure to the evil of the world, it is hard for them to believe that this ‘peer’ they have been communicating with for the past couple months is not really who they say they are.”

Not just children Terra, I would argue that these days adults fall into this camp as well.

Number Three—No Keeping Secrets with Outside Adults

“Children need to know that an adult should never tell them to keep a secret,” she said. “Also, children should be told that they can tell you anything, and that no matter what anyone else says, you will love them no matter what.
Makes sense, as a parent you might simply take it for granted that your child knows this, but never hurts to reiterate it from time to time.
She’s arrived at this conclusion based on firsthand experience, she shared,
“I have taken many heartbreaking cases where the perpetrator threatened to harm the victim’s family, pet sibling, etc.

“The victims are often told that the suspect’s behavior is their fault, that they will go to jail if they tell, etc.”

She also went on to say that it’s really important that a child understand, “There’s a big difference between having a secret and keeping a surprise.” As it can be confusing for them.

Number Four—Don’t Force Your Kids to Hug or Kiss People They Don’t Want To, Not Even Family Members
Her reasoning was this,
“I know that that sounds really mean, but it’s their body and if they don’t want to give their nanny a hug goodbye, then they have the right to do that and set boundaries,” she said.

Number Five—Kids Shouldn’t Use “Silly Names for Their Private Parts”

She feels that parents should, “Teach kids the correct names for their private parts,” The reason being is that if something were to happen, investigators would have an easier time uncovering the truth if they knew the proper terms.

Personally I think the biggest threat to your kids well being mentally, physically and spiritually is the phones and tablets. I get it when they’re young these devices serve as readily available baby sitters, but remember these devices and the games targeted at small children are all engineered to create addicts. I’ve seen 2-3 years old playing with these devices and when the parents tried taking them away all hell sometimes breaking loose. Some would call this a clue, as to what impact it’s having on kids.

Plus I can guarantee you that as they get older they’ll only become more addicted, and more socially stunted. Just because they are texting and or on social media apps doesn’t mean they’re acquiring skills that will help them engage their peers and society at large, they’re having essentially one way conversations, devoid of learning how to engage physically with another human being in person.

These devices are not making your children smarter no matter what you may tell yourself, yes they can help them acquire more information, much of it useless and while the remaining amount may give them some useful knowledge, these devices won’t give them wisdom.
In closing, Steve Jobs, is quoted as saying that “he would never give his own children an iPhone!”

You mean like a crack dealer refusing to give his own kids crack, wonder why?