Why be an Alert Adult in 2026?

Learning to Respond not just React

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137056/fan_mail/new] Children hear what we say. They translate it literally. This episode reminds us that it is important for us to think before we react to incidents, situations, news stories, gossip or even what our children say. We talk about things we might do to ensure that our comments and responses reinforce the message to our children that we are there for them and they can tell us anything.

What to do when prevention fails?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137056/fan_mail/new] Regardless of how vigilant we are, there will be times when predators oursmart us and our children pay the price. In addition, our commitment to being Alert Adults can open the door to another adult who is finally willing to share earlier abuse that has not been disclosed. When that happens, how do we handle it? How do we do the right thing and protect those invoved from further harm? How do we react to hearing this about someone we care about?

Why be an Alert Adult in 2026?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137056/fan_mail/new] A discussion of what we recently learned about the "old ways" of prevention education and their failure over the long term in protecting children from predators. We look at how the approach by Keeping Them Safe actually has the potential to make a real impact with minimal effort.

April is Blue for a Reason

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137056/fan_mail/new] This episode discusses how we can emphasize the need for prevention during Child Abuse Prevention Month - April - as we sponsor Blue Monday, Blue Sunday, and other programs that call attention to the problem.

Do some risky behaviors need more attention?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137056/fan_mail/new] We know there are several potentially risky adult behaviors that create vulnerability in the environment and put children at risk from potential predators. However, are some more "important" than others? Do some of those behaviors actually raise the bar on the risk? Canadian researchers actually look at that question and have some recommendations for us about where it is important to emphasize our efforts to create safe environments.