At Block Portrait Studios, creating a safe space where children feel valued and seen is one of our highest priorities. That commitment extends beyond the portrait session itself. We also aim to support parents with resources that help protect children and open the door to important, sometimes difficult, conversations. As children head back to school and encounter new situations, these tools can make a big difference. The content below, shared by CornerHouse, a Minneapolis organization dedicated to reducing trauma and ending abuse, offers valuable guidance for families and communities.
As children head back to school, it’s the perfect time to reinforce important safety conversations. These evidence-based strategies will help you create a foundation of trust and protection for your child throughout the school year.
1. Teach Body Safety and Boundaries
Before the school year starts, have age-appropriate conversations with your child about body autonomy. Teach the proper names for body parts, explain what safe and unsafe touches are, and reinforce that they have the right to say “no” to any touch that makes them uncomfortable, even from someone they know.
2. Create a Family Safety Word
During busy schedules and the potential for other people to pick up your kids from school and activities, establish a shared family “safety” word that is only known by your child and those who are given permission to pick your child up.
3. Talk About Healthy Relationships
Talking with your kids about healthy relationships means showing them that kindness goes hand-in-hand with boundaries. Open conversations about consent, personal space, and emotional safety help children recognize respectful behavior and confidently speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
4. Establish Open Communication
Create a daily routine of checking in with your child. Ask questions like, “Who did you sit with at lunch?”, “What was the most surprising part of today?”, “Did anything make you feel weird or uncomfortable?” Consistent communication helps your child feel safe coming to you with any concerns.
5. Identify Trusted Adults
Brainstorm with your child 3-5 trusted adults in their life that they can go to if they feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or need help. Reinforce that they can always come to you no matter what, even if someone told them to keep a secret.
Remember: These conversations aren’t one-time discussions. Keep them age-appropriate, ongoing, and normalize talking about safety so your child always feels comfortable coming to you.
We hope this resource helps your family foster a safe and supportive environment for your children this school year. For more information on body safety, abuse prevention and intervention, or support with stabilization and healing, we encourage you to reach out to CornerHouse.
