Protective play is about finding teachable moments, during play, to introduce the five BITSS elements of protective behaviors. BITSS play can help you to protect your child by introducing talk about Body Ownership, Intuition, Touch, Say No and Support Networks before anything horrible happens to your child.
I run Protective Play parties to teach parents how easy it is to do. I take a stock of everyday toys with me and we sit and play as if kids would. During the play I coach in how find and grab that teachable moment and mentor the participants through play tutoring. It is a load of fun and parents always say they are amazed at how easy it is to talk about a scary topic like child abuse by using a few toys or household items.
The term “teachable moment” sounds rather academic, but it’s not. A teachable moment is: “a situation that opens the door for you to talk to your child or any other young person about subjects that are difficult but necessary to discuss. These difficult conversation topics may include sexuality, alcohol and drug use, smoking, violence, eating disorders and depression” (Campaign for our Children, Inc). As parents, we use teachable moments all the time for all sorts of things. It’s the topic of child abuse that scares parents. They don’t know where to start or what to say.
Relax. Our homes are full of items just waiting to be used as teachable moments for protecting against child sexual abuse: Windows, fences and doors are wonderful for beginning to talk about Body Ownership. Gardens and pets are begging to be given a bit of attention and can be used for talking abut Intuition and early warning signs. The changes in weather, defrosting of food items, and people that tickle too had are perfect for teachable moments about Touch. Signs are just great to learn about Say No and telephone books, visiting friends or fans beautifully capture the notion of Support Networks. To find out exactly how to use any of these items or situations in a teachable moment, click on the associated link to take you to a whole range of games and activities.
I’m off to run a Protective Play party right now. Eighteen child carers have got together and we’re going to protectively play with everyday resources that they already have. These are people who are seriously concerned with the rising rates of child sexual abuse. They have chosen to skill themselves to ensure that children in their care receive protective strategies through play. Hats off to them.
What sort of teachable moments do you use to protect your children?
Related Protective Play articles:
Thera Pea Dolls: At home Protective Play That Won’t Break the Bank.
FREE Posters to Help the Transition from Boy Child to Real Man.
A Chatterbox, Chatterbitss Activity, for Protective Play.
Talking with Children About Sexuality.
My FAVORITE child focused article of the day: The Epidemic of Child Obesity by Renee Dietz