Boundary Talks: 3 Conversations Every Parent Should Have

Because silence is not protection—and every child deserves to be safe.

When it comes to protecting kids from abuse, prevention doesn’t start in a courtroom or a church office—it starts in our homes. But far too many parents don’t know what to say, or when to say it.

We get it. These aren’t easy conversations. But they are essential. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the U.S. will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. And more than 90% of abusers are known to the child—a coach, a family friend, even someone within your trusted circle.

So how do we protect our kids without scaring them? We talk. We teach. We set boundaries. Here are 3 conversations every parent should have:

1. Your Body Belongs to You.

Children need to hear that they have ownership of their body. Use simple, empowering language:

“No one—no matter who they are—has the right to touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable.”

Teach them correct anatomical terms. This isn't about being clinical—it's about clarity. Research shows that children who use correct body part names are less likely to be targeted and more likely to be believed when they disclose abuse.

2. Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept.

Abusers often use secrecy to gain control:

“This is our little secret.”

“No one will believe you.”

“You’ll get in trouble if you tell".

That’s why it’s vital to teach your child that safe adults never ask children to keep secrets about their body, touch, or anything that makes them feel scared or confused.

Instead, encourage open communication:

“You can tell me anything—even if someone tells you not to.”

3. If You Ever Feel Unsafe, You Can Say ‘No’—Even to a Grown-Up.

We spend years teaching kids to listen to authority, but predators exploit that obedience. Teach your child that it's okay to say “no,” walk away, or yell if someone crosses a boundary—even if it’s a grown-up, family member, or respected leader.

Reinforce this message regularly, especially before sleepovers, camp, or youth group:

“If someone does something wrong, I will never be mad at you. I will always help you.”

Bonus Tip: Make It Ongoing, Not One-and-Done

Prevention is a process, not a one-time speech. Use car rides, TV shows, or real-life events as moments to reinforce boundaries. Normalize the topic so they always know: you’re a safe space.

At PPE Kids, we believe every parent deserves tools to protect their children—regardless of income, access, or background. That’s why we offer Pay-What-You-Can background checks and are actively developing prevention curriculum, a digital safety character named Lumi, and children's books like The BIG BIG Secret to equip families and communities with knowledge and confidence.

Because silence protects predators—not children.

Let’s have the talk. Let’s protect our kids.

Contact Us at info@ppekids.org