1. What Mom didn’t know is that the teen who was living there had threatened me before she had even arrived. Sometimes he’d even be standing behind her balling up his fists or giving me mean looks.
2. Asking me those questions, especially in front of a person who was using me for sexual experimentation reinforced in my young mind that I was supposed to do whatever I was told by the person who was watching me while she was gone.
3. Because I had said, “yes” at the door I didn’t think that I could change my answer later. To do so would mean that I would have to explain why I “lied” when she asked me earlier.
When parents ask children whether or not they were good in front of children and adults most children feel pressured to say yes.
So in that parking lot I turned around and looked at my son in his eyes. I started all over again. I asked the correct questions.
Perhaps you may want to consider asking these questions the next time that your child is in someone else’s care.
Child Sexual Abuse Questions to Ask Your Child in Private
- I asked my son privately whether or not he enjoyed himself.
- How did you spend your time?
- What was your favorite part of the party?
- What was the least favorite part?
- Did you feel safe?
- Was there anything else that you wanted to share?
Try to remember to make these questions a consistent habit. It might be helpful to remind your children that they can always add details about what occurred while they were away from you.
My mistake that day was a common one for parents. We think that as long as we ask any question we are on top of things.
The truth is, parents must always question, at the right time, under the right circumstances to identify the signs of child sexual abuse.
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This post originally appeared at We Survive Abuse.
For more resources and free downloads for parents to help fight and recognize child sexual abuse, check out the free resources page at We Survive Abuse. Arm yourselves with knowledge, moms and dads!
