Being a responsible adult
Anyone who has 'authority' over someone else has responsibility for the impact of their words and actions. Having authority means that you can influence another person in the way they think or behave.
Roles of people who can have authority over someone under the age of 18 can be:
- a parent, or guardian
- a relative, such as an uncle or aunt, or grandparents
- an older sibling, brother or sister
- a family friend
- a neighbour
- a babysitter
- a teacher, medical professional, carer
- anyone who interacts with a person under the age of 18
Whatever your role relative to the child, every time that you engage with a child you will influence their development. The more time you spend with them, the more impact you will have through your words and actions. The more intense your interaction, generally the more profound the impact.
Roles of a person in authority
Nuture, not control
Allow to make mistakes
Allow to freethink, protect from harm
Celebrate aptitudes, even if not yours
Emotional construct
No emotional blackmail
Show unconditional love
No sexualisation
Never show sexualised feelings or love
Never respond to sexual advances
Guide sexual learning 'outside family'
Clarity, not manipulation
Guiding through values
Clear when and why something wrong
Hide your own insecurities
Healthy touch
Pure thought in your touch
Encourage play and sport with peers
No physical harm
Never retaliate with aggression
No punishments or torture
No physical control (unless to protect)
assess yourself
are you at risk of abusing?
safe, no trace kept
improve your self-awareness
do your thoughts worry you?
is your behavior abuse?
how abuse hurts and kills
actions can ruin lives
the impact of abuse
the trauma of abuse
healthy childhood denied
lives lost
getting help
get confidential help
non-judgemental
no legal link, unless others at risk
preventing generational cycle
seeking support is a positive step
