Child Safe Tips

Some of these signs are normal when stressful events occur in a child’s life. One or two of these signs every once in awhile is okay also, but if you are seeing four or more of these signs at the same time there may be a problem and you should investigate.

• Sleeping Problems-Not wanting to sleep alone, night-mares, fear of the dark.


• Stomach Problems-Stomach pains, or illness, that occurs frequently with no apparent reason.


• New Friend-If your child is talking about a “new friend’ that is older; you may think it could be an imaginary friend. If your child says they have secrets with this older friend and cannot tell you what they are you should be concerned. You should explain that it is okay to tell Mommy or Daddy, but be aware that the child may have been told that something bad would happen if they told. Reassure them and be patient.


• Gifts Appear-If new gifts, items, or money suddenly show up you need to ask where they came from. Watch your child’s reaction to your question closely.


• Selective Areas of Fear-If your child does not want to see or be left alone with certain people you should pay attention and start asking questions. The child might also be opposed to being left at certain places because their abuser is there. If your child’s normal personality disappears with certain people or places there may be a problem.
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• Fear At Home-Child suddenly has fear of being home alone or has new fears about home.


• Fear of Monsters-A new fear of monsters could be a sign.


• Mood Swings-Crying, anger, sudden rage, withdrawal, excessive worry/anxiety symptoms, and fear can be a sign of abuse or other things.


• Large Changes in School Performance-If your child’s school performance drops or if their interactions with their peers changes suddenly there may be a problem.


• New Sexual Knowledge-If you child suddenly has new words for their private parts, engages in sexual play with dolls or other children, encourages other children to touch private parts, or if they start inappropriate kissing or touching then you have a clear sign that someone somewhere is teaching your child these things.


• Sudden Changes in Eating Habits-Loss of appetite, trouble eating or swallowing, anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive eating.


• Spacing out-Inability to concentrate, daydreaming, or in their own world.


• Regressive Behavior-When an older child suddenly starts sucking their thumb, bed wetting, or wanting to sleep with their parents.


• Some Adolescents Signs-Adolescents can start cutting, burning themselves, or start using drugs or alcohol to cope. They start to self-destruct. They many start dressing in a manner that hides their sexuality. They may try to become unattractive to others.


• Anxiety-Sudden anxiety with peers, authority figures, or adults, especially men.


• Bowel Movements- Toilet-trained children that start having accidents are a clear warning sign.


• Seductive Behavior-If a child starts acting in a seductive manner, starts hinting at or initiating sexual acts, or acts like they have an increased knowledge of sex there may be a problem.


• Depressive Behavior-crying episodes, isolation, suicidal ideation, or discussing suicide. Feelings of being “no good” are also a sign.


• Efforts to Please-A sudden effort to please those around them or gain excessive attention from adults.


• Becoming a Perpetrator-If your child is trying to influence other children to performing sexual acts, begins touching other children, or is inappropriately kissing a child there may be a problem.


• Excessive Anger-Anger, aggressive behavior, violent rages, and new hostile behaviors are also a sign.