How does body safety and choosing healthy foods with kids connect? Well, we can practice decision-making, wellness, self-care affirmative feedback and positive body image as it relates to food to name a few, which can lay the foundation for teaching body safety. Because, when we consider our personal nutrition and relationship with food, we connect to our bodies. Supporting children in growing healthy self- images with nutrition, as an example, teaches them self-care - they learn their hearts, minds and bodies are worth it!
Plus, I like to strengthen the WeStandGuard.com content with a variety of other supportive topics beyond body safety, yet so closely related such as self-care.
Check out guest blog by Anya Willis @ Fitkids.info
Nurture Your Children Toward Healthier Choices
Navigating the myriad of lifestyle choices in today's world can be overwhelming, particularly for children. Thus, it's crucial for parents to step in and guide their youngsters toward making healthier decisions. While it’s not always easy, there are several things you can do to make the process fun for your little ones. This article offers a comprehensive set of advice and resources that can assist parents in instilling healthy habits in their children. Let's get started.
Involving Kids in Decision-Making
Involving children in meal planning and grocery shopping can greatly enhance their interest in healthier eating. Giving them a voice in food choices fosters a sense of ownership and encourages them to be open to nutritional options. One effective method is to collaboratively create a shopping list, or you might allow them to help you cook dinner. Another strategy is to allow them to pick out a new fruit or vegetable each week as a way to diversify their palate. These practices not only make children more receptive to healthy foods but also provide valuable learning experiences.
Mealtime offers a prime opportunity to enrich a child's diet with nutritious ingredients. Innovative approaches, like blending vegetables into smoothies or adding them to homemade muffins, can make the transition to healthy eating more enjoyable. The goal is to seamlessly weave nutrition into familiar foods , making it less of a chore for children to eat healthily. This creative incorporation aids in acclimating children to better eating practices without compromising on taste.
Encourage Regular Physical Exercise
Physical activity is vital for a child’s overall well-being. Family walks can be a fun and practical way to instill the habit of regular exercise. Moreover, if your neighborhood isn't pedestrian-friendly, look for an area with a high Walk Score of 70 or above to get your daily steps in. Such areas are generally safer and more conducive to walking, making it easier for your family to maintain an active lifestyle.
Media exposure can strongly influence children's views on body image, frequently presenting unattainable standards. Initiating conversations with your children about these media portrayals can help debunk myths about ideal body types. The emphasis should shift from chasing unrealistic images to adopting a balanced, healthy lifestyle. This approach aids in cultivating a positive body image and a healthier self-perception in children.
Each child has distinct interests that can significantly impact their well-being when explored. Identifying an activity that aligns with your child's passions can imbue them with a sense of purpose. Participation in extracurricular activities, whether it's art, sports, or technology , can enhance their social skills and offer alternative avenues for physical or mental engagement. This focused involvement can be instrumental in promoting a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle for your child.
Positive feedback is crucial for children, as it often serves as motivation to continue making good choices. When coming from trusted adults, this affirmation can be especially impactful. Commending your child for making healthy choices, such as choosing fruit over candy or practicing a new skill, encourages better decision-making. This cycle of affirmation and improved behavior reinforces the importance of positive reinforcement in a child's development.
Guiding children to make healthier choices is a long-term commitment that demands both patience and resourcefulness. However, by utilizing the practical tips and methods outlined above, you’re well on your way to setting them up for a future of wellbeing. Foster their interest in nutrition, encourage physical activities, engage them in dialogues about body image, help them find activities they love, and use affirmation as a powerful motivational tool. This balanced approach will enable you to lead your children down the path to a fulfilling, healthy life.
Have a question for the team at We Stand Guard ? Reach out today.
What challenges or gaps are you facing as the kids are growing up, which brings change as they transition from childhood to tweeners and teenagers.
In addition to last month's blog on A Look at Self-Care Activities for Kids
, here is an interesting look at your own self-care, especially during transitions with kids growing up. In fact, I visited my triplet nephews this past Labor Day weekend and my brother and I were cracking up since their PJ bottoms were like crop pants - they have grown taller as they begin middle school! Surprise!!!
As a follow up to last month, check out Anya Willis' Part 2 guest blog on self-care (see more at https://fitkids.info/
).
Life
is a roller coaster of changes, from new jobs and relationships to relocations
and even crises. As disorienting as
these major life transitions can be, they also offer a unique opportunity to
reboot your habits and improve your overall well-being. Today, we will provide you with strategies
to embrace these transformations and convert life's challenges into stepping
stones for a better you,
It's natural for stress levels to peak during transitions. However, these moments provide a chance to develop effective stress-management strategies. Start with acknowledging the stressors. Once you identify them, use mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to mitigate their impact. Incorporating physical activity can also make a significant difference. Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress. So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed, remember to take a step back and focus on your well-being.
Returning to school is one of the best ways to revitalize your life and open doors in terms of a future career. There are plenty of options out there, as well. For instance, if you’ve ever thought about pursuing an online bachelor's degree in nursing , now is the time. Online nurses are in high demand, and if you’re open to the flexibility that comes with internet-based learning platforms, you can work toward your degree on your own schedule, from the comfort of your own home.
Major life transitions can also offer the ideal moment to venture into entrepreneurship. Begin with research. Understand your target market, potential challenges, and financial requirements. Once you have a comprehensive plan, move to the execution phase. When it comes to establishing a brand identity , create a memorable image using free online logo makers. These platforms offer an array of customizable designs to give your business a professional edge, and a well-designed logo can do wonders for brand recognition.
Adjusting to a new chapter in life often requires a revamped routine. Consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation , and the best way to ensure this is by designing a daily routine that aligns with your newfound goals. This can be anything from a workout schedule to set times for personal and professional growth. Not only does this help in maintaining a balanced life, but it also solidifies the positive changes you aim to make.
Legal and Financial Control through an LLC
If you opt for the entrepreneurial route, forming an LLC ( limited liability company ) is crucial. This legal structure provides personal liability protection and offers several tax benefits. It signifies a critical step towards becoming your own boss, putting you in control of your business and, by extension, your destiny. Consider consulting professionals to help you navigate the complexities of forming an LLC.
For many, caffeine is a daily necessity. However, it's easy to go overboard, especially during stressful periods. If you must drink caffeine, take the time to learn more about the different coffee drinks available. Whether it's opting for a lighter roast or mixing in decaf, these choices can help you maintain energy levels without sacrificing sleep quality.
Relationships play a crucial role during transitional phases. This is an ideal time to assess your social circle and make necessary adjustments. If certain relationships are toxic, it’s time to distance yourself. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals can significantly boost your emotional and psychological well-being.
Transitions often have financial implications. Use this time to review your credit report and take steps to fix any inconsistencies or debts. By managing your finances effectively, you lessen stress and lay the foundation for a stable future.
Goals with a Purpose: Mapping Your Journey
Setting clearly defined goals that resonate with your core values is fundamental. They act as a roadmap, guiding you through challenges and keeping you centered. A detailed, step-by-step plan can greatly assist in achieving these goals, and the focus it brings can be an invaluable asset.
The experience of undergoing a significant life transition can be exhilarating, daunting, and enriching all at once. Embracing these transitional phases with purposeful strategies can redefine challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. By applying the practices highlighted in this article, you're poised to emerge stronger, more empowered, and ready to seize future opportunities with aplomb.
However, there is no such thing as “child pornography” which seems to imply consent - children/minors cannot give consent! Images with any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (a person less than 18 years old) is specifically called child sexual abuse material or CSAM according to experts in the field.
Nevertheless, pornography of any aged person is sexual exploitation for allsince very often, the acts are real abuse of the women (including children, teens and men) and other “performers” because the industry preys on the vulnerable and eviscerates human dignity.It's a predatory industry since they know pornography can be like a drug with an addictive nature (feels like you cannot stop even if you want to), which changes and harms the brain for buyers and consumers.
Did you know that 27% of older millennials say they started viewing porn before puberty ( Josh McDowell, The Porn Phenomenon )? In fact, exposing or showing pornography to a child/minor is an example of non-physical contact child sexual abuse, in which abusers may use for grooming kids and teens to normalize abuse. It is not a matter of if but when a child will most likely see pornography and be traumatized (some say average age is 8 yrs). Also, pornographic images of vulnerable men, women, teens and children through coercion or exchange of sexual acts for goods and services is known as sex trafficking.
Furthermore, according to The National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) , the CyberTipline has received over 82 million reports, reviewed over 322 million images/videos and identified over 19,000 victims of CSAM - how can this be?! NCMEC says:
"United States federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (a person less than 18 years old). Outside of the legal system, NCMEC chooses to refer to these images as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to most accurately reflect what is depicted – the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when these files are shared across the internet, child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their sexual abuse is viewed."
How is it usually detected?
The usual way to detect CSAM is when cloud services like Google Photos scan uploaded photos and compare them against a database of known CSAM images. This database is provided by NCMEC and similar organizations around the world. The actual matching process uses what’s known as a hash, or digital fingerprint. This is derived from key elements of the image, and is deliberately fuzzy so that it will continue to work when images are resized, cropped, or otherwise processed. So, with this process in place, why is CSAM still happening all over the Internet?
What else are tech companies doing to stop this atrocity on line?
What can we do to dismantle this multi-billion dollar global industry? An article published by business news site, Quartz, tends to agree. The article places the industry’s value at anywhere between $6 billion and $97 billion, with the more realistic estimates ranging from $6 billion to $15 billion (Fight the New Drug blog).
Who are the buyers and consumers of CSAM?
How can you be a voice to free an enslaved child?
Guest blog by Jenna Sherman
(see 3 additional short video resources from Kimberly at end of article)
Many people have experienced bullying at some
point in their lives, and many parents will have to deal with their children
being bullied too. With the internet connecting people all over the world and
allowing the mask of anonymity to harbor bold actions, cyberbullying adds more
to the problem.
Children are resilient yet sensitive creatures. Hurtful words and actions can be damaging to a young, developing brain. With additional hormonal changes and emotional immaturity, it’s no wonder children are so deeply affected by the trauma of bullying.
Here, We Stand Guard shares how you can support your child if you suspect they’re being cyberbullied.
Know Your Children’s Activity
You can’t always be there for every moment of a child’s life, especially when they’re at school or with friends. Internet access brings them into a whole new world of strangers and peers online who feel emboldened to cyberbully from behind the screen. Your child could be a victim without you even realizing it, but you can keep yourself in the know by checking their phones and learning how to spot the hidden communications and messages.
Teenagers have become experts at hiding their online activity, but it’s important you learn how they’re conducting themselves and with whom they’re interacting online. What are people saying to them, and how are they interacting with others? Are they being bullied…or perhaps, are they the bullies? This online abuse can lead to risks of trafficking as the bullying interactions grow increasingly painful and inappropriate making a young person vulnerable to seek comfort from a stranger - acting as a friend - online.
Have a Conversation
Monitoring isn’t the only way to learn about your child’s behaviors and online interactions. Having a conversation and allowing them to open up to you goes a long way. Talking about bullying helps prevent young people from seeking extreme measures.
Communicating with your child can help them open up. Because bullying is shameful for victims, it’s not uncommon for them to keep it to themselves. If a question can be easily answered in a “yes” or “no” fashion, that’s the easiest way for a kid to end the conversation. A question like, “How are things at school?” is too easy to answer with “fine,” and the problem remains hidden. Asking, “DId anything bad happen today?” lays the groundwork for a more pointed conversation.
You can also ask in a way that lets them talk about bullying before coming around to their own experiences. For example, asking about the atmosphere of the school and whether or not they’ve seen any bullying, and if anyone did anything about it.
Whether your child is on social media or using other apps , meaningful dialogue, emotional support, and guidance from a trusted adult can remove stigmas and open up a line of communication. It’ll show them you’re open to talking and that they’re not alone. Parents may seem like aliens to teenagers, so connecting with them can help bridge the gap that often prevents teens from speaking out when something is wrong.
Record the Proof
If the bullying reaches a point where legal action is necessary, make sure you document and record every incident. Once you learn your child is a victim of bullying, report the incidents to school authorities, administrators, counselors, and other parents whose children are involved. If you’re dealing with cyberbullying , online harassment, and abuse, then report the conduct to the site moderators for terms of service violations.
Obviously, it’s better to talk before it gets worse. What’s most important is to protect your child. In some situations, parents have taken more drastic steps, like removing them from those harmful situations. This could mean changing classes or schools, deleting their social media accounts, alerting teachers to keep an eye out, or teaching them to walk away and be brave. Help them restore their confidence by encouraging positive relationships, and discouraging poor self-talk and criticism , as well as discussing how to avoid this in the future, or what they can do differently if this problem were to crop up again.
Suicide Prevention
In the most extreme cases of bullying, victims are driven to the point of taking their own lives. The bullying—possibly combined with other triggers and mental health disorders—creates a situation in which the young victim feels despondent and hopeless. From their perspective, the only way to escape the pain is to end everything. When this happens, many parents are blindsided. They were unaware their child was suffering so much they felt suicide was the only option.
Be proactive with suicide prevention for your child, and look for its warning signs : depression, talking about death or harming oneself, expression of pain, feelings of hopelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, withdrawing, unusual sleep patterns, rage, and mood swings. When your child cries for help, listen. If they attempt suicide once, seek immediate help and take extra steps to watch over them.
If your teen is suffering from depression or a personality disorder that triggers abnormal thoughts, take steps to improve their mental health. A combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, and therapy can improve their condition.
Cyberbullying is relatively new in the timeline of bullying, but we can fight the problem before it hurts more of our children. The solutions we find will require creativity, forethought, compassion, and work.
As we learn to navigate the landscape of cyberspace, we can collectively keep children safe from its hidden dangers. The key to preventing future cyberbullying is paying attention, identifying the signs, and taking action.
A Note from Kimberly
Cyberbulleying and Trafficking
On line risks for kids are growing, with child trafficking vulnerabilities on the rise as well. Here are some resources to learn more (I will be posting an article about child trafficking, NCMEC, CSAM, and the EARN IT act soon).
1. Read Parent Alert! Police say "Lizzy" Groomed and Exploited 80 Children - a recent article by Donna Rice at Enough is Enough - https://enough.org/news/OFI5P097SQ6
2. Watch Bark's powerful video where a 37-year old mom goes undercover as an 11-year old girl - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbg4hNHsc_8
A 37-year old mom goes undercover as an 11-year old girl to expose the dangers facing kids on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Kik. Left unsupervised, young children can be exposed to online predators, grooming, and psychological abuse within minutes. For more information please visit:
https://info.bark.us/stonefish
In 2018 alone, Bark alerted the FBI to 99 child predators. In 2019? That number is more than 300 — and counting. Each of these cases represents a real child experiencing real harm, and our challenge is to help parents and schools understand this new reality. But how do we tell stories without asking families to divulge too much? We started this project to explain online grooming to a generation who didn’t grow up with this danger.
3. Check out and share this video called The Least of These: Save the Children (Rescue) (WARNING -SENSITIVE) - every small act of even sharing a post can help protect and/or save a child.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv60gF164WY&feature=youtu.be
