How Good Parents Miss the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

3.  Because I had said “yes” at the door, I didn’t think that I could change my answer later. To do so would mean that I would have to explain why I “lied” when she asked me earlier.

So in that parking lot, I asked the correct questions. Perhaps you may want to consider asking these questions the next time that your child is in someone else’s care.

I asked my son privately whether or not he enjoyed himself.

How did you spend your time?  

What was your favorite part of the party?

What was the least favorite part?

Did you feel safe?  

Was there anything else that you wanted to share?

Try to remember to make these questions a consistent habit. Also, it might be helpful to remind your children that they can always add details about what occurred during while they were away from you.

My mistake that day was a common one for parents. We think that as long as we ask questions we are on top of things.

Truth is, parents have to ask the right questions, at the right time, under the right circumstances to identify the signs of child sexual abuse.

**This post originally appeared on We Survive Abuse and was republished by the Lauren’s Kids Foundation.