Raising Awareness

21
Jan

Raising Awareness

  • Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

At PearlyMinds Academy, safeguarding children’s well-being is at the heart of our mission. In a groundbreaking session, we united parents and experts to tackle body safety and positive parenting—equipping families with knowledge to protect, empower, and nurture confident, resilient children. Led by Somaya Said (Certified Child Psychologist) and Noura Hosny (Child Development Specialist), this workshop blended expertise with actionable strategies to build safer, happier futures.

Key Topics Explored:

1. Teaching Body Respect & Boundaries

“My Body, My Rules”: Age-appropriate ways to teach children about private parts and consent.

Empowering Language: Phrases like “You’re the boss of your body” to foster self-advocacy.

Recognizing Safe vs. Unsafe Touch: Using stories and role-play to help kids identify red flags.

2. Responding to Inappropriate Behavior

Breaking the Silence: How to encourage children to speak up, even about trusted adults.

Parental Vigilance: Spotting subtle signs of discomfort (e.g., sudden mood shifts, reluctance to meet certain people).

Action Steps: Who to contact and how to document concerns responsibly.

3. Positive Parenting in Action

Connection Over Correction: Building trust through open dialogue and active listening.

Modeling Consent: Respecting a child’s “no” during play or tickling reinforces bodily autonomy.

Safe Spaces: Creating home environments where children feel heard without judgment.

Meet the Experts:

Somaya Said, Child Psychologist
“Body safety isn’t a one-time talk—it’s a culture of openness. When children know they’ll be believed, they speak up.”

Noura Hosny, Child Development Specialist
“Positive parenting means guiding with empathy. It’s not just about rules; it’s about raising kids who trust their instincts.”

Interactive Learning & Tools

  • Role-Play Scenarios: Parents practiced responding to tough questions like “What if someone asks me to keep a secret?”

  • Q&A Forum: Addressing fears like “How do I educate without causing anxiety?”

  • Resource Kit: Handouts included:

    • Body Safety Books for kids (e.g., “My Body Belongs to Me”).

    • Scripts for Tough Conversations (e.g., explaining “private parts” to a 4-year-old).

    • Local Support Networks for counseling and legal guidance.

Why This Matters:

At PearlyMinds, we believe prevention starts with education. By normalizing these conversations early, we:

  • Reduce stigma around discussing body safety.

  • Arm children with lifelong self-advocacy skills.

  • Strengthen parent-child bonds through trust and transparency.