National Child Protection Week

This week is National Child Protection Week, where the overarching message of this organisation is: “Every child in every community needs a fair go.” The aim of this message is to “promote a safe and supported life for every child, now and into the future.”

The theme for 2023 is: “Where we start matters … in terms of where we live, the resources available to us, and the opportunities presented to us to make a significant difference to our life outcomes.”

When I think about the overarching message and theme of this National Child Protection Week in regards to sexuality education, I think about how parents need to have access to the right resources to educate their children and set them up for success. The research shows that providing comprehensive sexuality education, in an age-appropriate way, is protective against sexual abuse, reduces STIs and unwanted pregnancy and delays first sexual experience to a later age.

Here are some excellent free resoures from E 2 Educate Publishing for younger children and a health resource I created for older children 16+.

Use books as a great prop for conversations. My favourites are listed here. 

Many parents want this education for their child but don’t know how to facilitate these conversations with their kids. As a Mother I understand just how daunting it can be to talk to your kids about sexuality, which is why I wrote my new book (which comes out tomorrow!) “Talking Sex: A Parent Conversation Guide.” In this book I go over every single aspect of human sexuality education that you can discuss with your child from birth all the way through to 17 years of age. I provide conversation starters, scripts and much more - it’s the perfect resource for you to get started in supporting, educating and protecting your child. Something I always say, which is in line with this theme, is just get started, it’s easier than you think. Have a read of some of my previous blogs to learn about these topics and how to discuss them with your child, purchase my new book, and get started!

“Where we start isn’t where we finish”

We must continue to be the askable and tellable parents that our children need to be, and commit to providing them with the accurate, age-appropriate information they need to be healthy, kind, caring and respectful people.

Come back tomorrow to celebrate my book launch! Pre-order here via Amba Press.