Watched Oprah sometime back.The topic was child sexual predation.What stood out for me was this kid who said she was 13 when this guy contacted her online and basically groomed her to be what he wanted her to be.What scared me was the fact that a child had to look outside her family and friends to make her feel better about herself.And the idea of opening up to a stranger about her personal life expecting a boost to her self esteem?Why?Was there no one to listen to her and give her the support she needed?
Couple of lessons for all parents-be very supportive of your child's every activity,but set your expectations high I guess.Listen to anything they have to say.Start early.That way,they will probably get into the habit of telling us everything-good or bad.Don't be overcriticalof what come out their mouth.
I remember being 14 and hearing the f-word-for the first time -uttered by a 12th standard girl in my school.I came home and described the entire scene to my parents without really finding out the meaning of the word(stupid me).My Mom went berserk and I got one on my mouth-will never forget it!!But the reason I babbled away was because I was in the habit of telling my parents everything.As embarrasing as it might seem to present day teenagers,once they are used to doing it(from childhood),it becomes second nature.
Hopefully,this habit of full disclosure will help them judge their actions from their parents perspective,and prevent them from doing things they would not be comfortable sharing with their confidant(e)s.