Starting the Conversation with Your Child
Talking to children about body safety, boundaries, and abuse can feel overwhelming for many parents. However, these conversations are one of the most important ways we can protect our kids.
Books can be a powerful tool to help start these discussions in an age-appropriate, non-threatening way. Colorado Faith Alliance recommends two trusted resources to help parents guide their children in understanding safe and unsafe situations.
Both books are available through the Douglas County Library, making them easy for families in our community to access.
For Young Kids
Good Pictures Bad Pictures
by Kristen A. Jenson. MA
Young children deserve to be armed early against internet dangers. This book is an “easy-to-use tool for parents” to help protect their young kids (ages 3 to 6). Using gentle, age-appropriate messages, children will learn to “Turn, Run & Tell” when they are accidentally exposed to inappropriate content. It is a comfortable, effective way for proactive parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter!
It’s Okay to Tell
by S. Bishop
A children’s book created to help educators, parents or anyone responsible for teaching sexual abuse prevention to children. It explores the story of Alyssa who was touched by a family friend and how she told. The book helps encourage children to talk with adults about anything and everything. Illustrations were designed by a 7 year old survivor of abuse
For Teens
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures
by by Kristen A. Jenson. MA
A tool for parents to begin an empowering conversation about the dangers of pornography and give their young kids a specific plan of action to use when they are exposed to it.
It’s Okay to Tell
by Lauren Book
The book details how a nanny began abusing Lauren at age 11, continuing for six years. It highlights the manipulation used by the perpetrator and the silence that often surrounds such abuse.
The memoir aims to break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse, empower survivors, and educate the public to prevent abuse.
Following her recovery, Lauren Book became a prominent child protection advocate, leading the organization Lauren’s Kids.
Abby Corrigan
CEO
Colorado Faith Alliance
Abby’s Advice
“Talking to your children about safety doesn’t have to be one big conversation — it’s a series of small, ongoing moments. When parents create a safe space for open dialogue, children are more likely to speak up, ask questions, and seek help if something doesn’t feel right.”