Over and over, I found myself working with children, and it broke my heart. Here I was, a mom, seeing the hurt on these little kids' faces. It terrified me. I could not imagine seeing my own child in such pain.
One of the things I learned, during my time there, was to educate and support. I wanted my son to know he could always talk to me, that he could tell me anything. I don't want to scare him, but I want him to be careful, and to know there are dangers in the world.
We recently received a copy of My Body Belongs to Me by Jill Starishevsky. As a Bronx Assistant Attorney, Starishevsky encountered children who had suffered sexual abuse for long periods of time, in silence. The book is intended to open up the taboo topic of sexual abuse and help children understand that they can tell someone. Not only that, it may even help prevent sexual abuse in some situations.I shared the book with my 4 year old. To be completely honest, I was terrified at first. Even though I had worked in the field, had read it to myself beforehand, it's still a tough topic to approach, but a necessary one.
The book is easy to read, and the illustrations kept his attention as well. I read slowly to allow him to ask questions. Which he did. When the book discusses a child being abused, he asked "why did he [the adult] do that?" and followed up with "he must be a bad man."
I appreciated the Suggestions for the Storyteller page at the end of the book. It offered topics to discuss during the reading and after. Using it as a guide, I posed situations for my son, and asked how he would respond. We talked about secrets and who we can talk to if someone is bothering us.
One thing the book doesn't mention, but I stressed with my child, is saying no or running away. I want him to know it's okay to say no to an adult in some situations. So often we teach them to always listen to adults, but they need to know that there are exceptions.
My Body Belongs to Me was a great tool in opening up communication. I'm sure that we will be rereading it and discussing the topic a little more, especially with him heading off to school this year. I think it's a must have for any bookshelf.
12 comments:
Thanks for the review on this book. I'll have to get one for my kids. You can never be too careful when it comes to your child and sexual abuse. Thanks Staci!
That's great to see. I've also worked with abused children and their parents (as a family therapist) and it is so tragic to see what should never happen. I think every day about keeping my son safe. I probably won't read this book to him yet, but I'm already talking to him about the subject. You can never be too careful! I'll be sure to look for this book and have it handy for the future, to add to my library.
That does sound like a good book to help teach kids about a tough situation. Thanks for sharing!
That sounds like a really great book. Thanks for posting such a thorough review and sharing over this difficult topic!!
That looks like a great book. My daughter responded well to "My Body is Private," by Linda Walvoord Girard a few years back. It was like she read it, "got" it, and moved on.
Thanks for the review, I'll definitely look into getting the book. I hate that we even have to worry about such things, but it's so important.
Great review--what an important topic. Thanks for the reminder.
That sounds like a great book. I'll have to try to find it at my bookstore. It's sad how many kids are abused each year. This is a very important topic that parents shouldn't be afraid of discussing with their children.
Wow! That is a topic I have not approached with my kids and probably would have avoided. Thanks for bringing it to my attention and for giving us a great means to do it. I will have to look into that book.
I love the way you wrote this. and that sounds like a book every mom should atleast look at:)
Wow. Thank you for this amazing review. It touches me deeply. Great job.
Thanks for mentioning this. My oldest is six and I just have no idea how to approach this subject.
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