It's Never Too Early

I look at my son. I look at his brown hair, baby brown eyes and the freckles on his nose. I wonder what path he will take as an adult and all the adventures he will have.

I can’t but question myself, “Have I taught him well? Have our conversations impacted his life? Will he remember all that I have taught him on a daily basis?”

Yes, there is still much to teach him and many more conversations to have with him as he continues to grow. One thing I know, is that he isn’t too young to learn about domestic violence. For example, what is domestic violence and how can he recognize it?

As a parent, it can feel nerve-wrecking to know where and how to start the conversation about domestic violence. Is there a perfect time? How do I start this conversation?

I believe that as a parent one can start this conversation at a young age.

Children and teenagers are key to stopping the domestic violence epidemic. We can make a positive impact in the lives of our children. We can teach them about domestic violence and how to react towards it. We can teach them about respect and what healthy relationships look like. For we are their teachers in life.

Below, I share a few tips that I hope will help you start the journey of talking to your children about domestic violence.

Tip #1

As a parent, it is important to educate yourself about the epidemic of domestic violence. Learn how violence impacts individuals, families, and communities. The Pixel Project and Kbep.org are a great place to learn about domestic violence. It will help you prepare to start conversations about violence with your children.

Tip #2

Develop an open and comfortable communication line with your children. Make them feel like they can come to you with any question or issue. Make sure they feel like their voice matters. Keep yourself approachable, as you are more likely able to guide them in making the right choices when they face difficult issues, like bullying, and sexism which can lead to violence against their partner later in life.

Tip#3

Share personal stories of hard encounters or experiences that you have had in your life. You can take life experiences and share them at your child’s age and way of learning. There are schools that offer domestic violence classes by acting out scenarios and could perhaps be an easier way for them to be aware of domestic violence.

Tip #4

Become friends with YouTube. There are a few short films made just for children that talk about domestic violence. Take any opportunity, news, and public service announcements that can serve as a discussion with your child. For teachers or mentors, making a playlist of videos that can be shared with children and teenagers can be helpful in starting discussions in class or sessions.

Tip #5

Most Important of all the tips that I have shared, Be a Role Model. Being a role model in how you live and in how you define healthy relationships in your life is the most effective way to teach your child about domestic violence. How do you react to anger, frustration, or facing a difficult conflict? Be self-aware of how you conduct towards yourself and others.

Remember that our children and teenagers are key to stopping domestic violence. We, as parents and teachers, can guide our children to a safer and brighter future without the pain and hurt of domestic violence.

Let’s be pro-active and teach our children about domestic violence.

Cesiah

Rescued for His Kingdom