04/24/2025
Protecting Kids Starts with Us
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and at Our Kids, we believe that every adult has a role to play in keeping children safe. One of the most powerful tools we have is education—knowing how to talk with children, set appropriate boundaries, and take thoughtful precautions.
Here are a few tips from our experts to help protect the children in your life:
🔹 Start early with the right words.
Teach your children the proper names for their private parts, just like you do with elbows or knees. Using names for private parts other adults will recognize helps children communicate clearly if something happens—and makes it easier for trusted adults to understand and respond appropriately. Read more in our guide: https://ourkidscenter.com/learn/talking-about-childrens-bodies/
🔹 Talk openly about body safety.
Let your kids know that their bodies belong to them. Discuss what kinds of touches are okay and what to do if someone crosses a boundary. Not sure where to start? Check out https://ourkidscenter.com/learn/how-to-talk-about-abuse/
🔹 Create an open environment.
Establish a home where your child feels safe coming to you—or another trusted adult—with questions, worries, or if something happens. Remind them regularly that they can talk to you about anything, without fear of getting in trouble.
🔹 Be thoughtful about childcare.
Choose licensed childcare providers and ask questions about their hiring processes. Do they conduct background checks? Childcare centers are subject to state inspections in most states. Ratings and reports should be publicly available through state resources. Also, ask questions about policies around supervision, safety and who might have unsupervised access to your child. It's okay—and important—to ask.
🔹 Be aware of online usage.
If your child has a device or access to one, be sure you’ve put safeguards in place. Use parental controls, monitor app use, and keep an open line of communication about what they’re seeing and doing online. Learn more https://ourkidscenter.com/learn/kids-safe-online/
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in protecting and empowering children. Together, we can create a safer world for them to grow, thrive, and feel safe.
View all resources: https://ourkidscenter.com/learn/