Our Story
Turning a Tough Question into a Global Mission
"Amma, what does rape mean?"
That was the question my first-grader, Aarna, asked me one morning after reading the newspaper. A young girl had been sexually abused, and she wanted to understand what it meant.
I froze. How do I explain something so serious without scaring her? How do I help her understand the world, while also keeping her safe?
I realized that, like most parents, I didn't have the right words-but I knew this was a conversation I shouldn't avoid.
The 5-Alert System: A Simple Way to Prevent Abuse
Determined to keep Aarna and Ira safe, I developed the 5-Alert System-a proactive, age-appropriate framework that helps children recognize and respond to potential abuse before physical contact occurs:
See Alert - When a child sees another person's private parts or is asked to see someone else's private parts.
Talk Alert - When someone talks to a child about their own or any private parts.
Alone Alert - When a child is alone with someone who is not on their Caretaker List.
Hold Alert - When someone outside the Circle of Love hugs or shows physical affection to a child.
Touch Alert - When someone touches the child's private parts or asks the child to do the same.
Unlike traditional education on safe and unsafe touch, which often comes too late in the abuse spectrum, these alerts help children recognize warning signs early and take action before they are harmed.
The Circle of Love & Caretaker List
The Circle of Love and Caretaker List are co-created by parents and children, ensuring that children have an active role in defining their own safety.
-
The Circle of Love includes people the child feels comfortable showing physical affection to, such as hugging or holding hands. This allows children to define their personal comfort zone and understand that they have the right to set boundaries with others.
-
The Caretaker List is a select group of people who can assist the child with personal care, such as cleaning and bathing. These individuals, chosen with the child's input, are the only ones allowed to touch or see the child's private parts in appropriate caregiving circumstances.
By involving children in these decisions, we ensure they understand their own safety, feel empowered to voice discomfort, and always know where to seek help when needed.
From My Home to a Global Movement
What started as a personal parenting challenge grew into a global mission. I knew that if I struggled with these conversations, so did millions of other parents. That's why I created How To Tell YourChild.com-to give parents, schools, and counselors the tools, confidence, and language to have these conversations without fear.
Our Mission: Every Child Deserves Protection Through EducationWe believe that open conversations prevent abuse.
Our mission is to:
✔ Empower Parents - With structured guides & training to teach body safety.
✔ Train Schools - To create environments where children feel safe and protected.
✔ Certify Counselors - So they can bring this education to communities worldwide.
Join Us in Protecting Children
Whether you're a parent, educator, or counselor, you can help create a safer world for children. Let's start the conversation-because prevention begins with awareness.