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Merry Christmas!

December can be a stressful time.  This month we share an article about avoiding stress during the holiday season.  

Please remember the Amazon Smile Foundation program while you are doing your holiday shopping.

Enjoy,

Child Advocacy Staff

Check out our website www.linkforfamilies.org.

Adolescent Sex Offenders 

are Rarely Strangers

By Richelle Davis

Prevention Educator

The Protect Yourself Program is up and running in full swing in schools throughout the county. While teaching the lesson on good touch/bad touch, I notice that most of the children believe that a probable offender will be a stranger walking down the aisle at the grocery store that may reach out and grab them and try to touch them inappropriately. In reality, this is not the case at all.

Statistics show that 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well. Hence, the motto "Stranger Danger" is a little misleading. In Protect Yourself we discuss the fact that NO ONE has the right to touch their personal private parts without a good reason. This includes moms, dads, aunts, uncles, cousins...etc. Just because you know someone does not give them that right. In reality, abusers can be neighbors, friends and family members. People who sexually abuse children can be found in families, schools, churches, recreation centers, youth sports leagues, and any other place children gather. Significantly, abusers can be and often are other children.

Talk to your children and be sure they understand that these parts of their bodies are off limits to everyone without a good reason. Be sure they know if anyone ever does do this to them, they should tell you right away.

Statistics from www.victimsofcrime.org

The holidays are a fun and joyous time, but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in children is a common occurrence. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that all that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back, and routines are disrupted. As a result, it's inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress.

Set a calm example. The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. 

Set up conditions for good behavior. Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired.

Remember the importance of routines. The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children.

Watch what she's eating.  Between all the extra sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods.

Get your child moving. Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children.

Avoid overscheduling. As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed.

Schedule some quiet time.  Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

Taken from www.childparenting.com