Let’s face it, we are all experiencing some level of chronic stress in the era of COVID-19, even our children. That stress could have long lasting effects on our mental and physical health. But it doesn’t have to. As an Authorized Facilitator and Certified Instructor, I meet many parents who are trying to do their …
According to the New York Times, tech companies reported over 45 million online photos and videos of children being sexually abused in 2018 – more than double what they found the previous year. For parents, caregivers, and concerned citizens, headlines like this can be overwhelming and disheartening. How can this be the case? And how …
Para Español, vaya aquí. With schools moving to digital learning, your kids may be spending more time online. Whether playing games, having classes, or socializing with friends, they are in front of a screen more than normal. So, how do you ensure they are staying safe online? Just like you would if your children were …
Protecting Children may look different, but it’s still possible. We’ve joined forces with our partners at the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, the JED Foundation, the Monique Burr Foundation for Children (MBF), and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to provide resources for …
Have you ever noticed that kids seem to be experts at asking difficult questions? As the adult in their life, you want to be able to equip them to handle all of life’s curveballs… but some topics just seem to come out of left field. Using scenes from movies can be a great way to …
What is your family culture? Have you ever stopped to think about it? Does your family have inside jokes, daily rituals, or unspoken schedules? Have you ever thought about the unique way your family talks to each other, approaches conflict, or solves problems? How do you deal with unexpected stressful situations, like social distancing? The …
Para Español, vaya aquí. Being a safe adult means that a child can trust you to be there for them when they need help. We often talk about what it means to be a safe adult when a child discloses abuse to you. In fact, this is a critical part of the fifth step of …
When it comes to child safety, we’re encouraging you to take things One Day at a Time. Protecting kids doesn’t have to be a big haul or an overwhelming process—in fact, there are protective measures we can take that can come as easy as taking a deep breath. As our communities continue to press pause …
Para Español, vaya aquí. Spending a lot of time at home with your kids? Looking for a fun and healthy activity to do together? Try the “What If” Game! The “What If?” Game is a great way to pose possible situations to kids that they may face in life and would need to solve. As …
Para Español, vaya aquí. During this unusual time, you have had to completely change the way you teach. Your lesson plans, activities, and discussions look very different than they did just a few weeks ago. As you tread through this new space, it’s important to remember that in your physical classroom environment you have classroom …
Para Español, vaya aquí. We have all felt the impact of the Coronavirus in our lives, but none more than the victim of abuse who may be quarantined with their abuser. As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I know what it feels like to live with a perpetrator, and I know how important any …
When you commit to creating a safe, protective environment for your athletes, you create a place where they can grow and excel. So, how do you take it to the next level? Be informed about child abuse, be aware of your environment, and be prepared to respond to concerns. Know the appropriate steps to take …
Communication is key to coaching and teamwork. You communicate with other coaches, staff, athletes and their parents every day in your facility. But how do you converse with them? A big part of preventing abuse is open, honest communication. When dialogue is encouraged among coaches, athletes, and parents, it makes it harder for an offender …
From all of us at the Darkness to Light office, we hope you are staying safe and protected from COVID-19. The impact of the coronavirus is being felt across the world, and we know it may be difficult to maintain your normal child protective steps while adapting to the ever-changing environment. Your child’s school has …