Would You Trust Your Child Around a Coach?
As a parent who has led little league teams for 9 years, I can attest to the critical importance of selecting the right coaches to guide and mentor our children. Ensuring these individuals are trustworthy is paramount. However, the world is full of potential predators, and it's essential to have a heightened awareness, especially when it comes to the individuals we entrust with our children.
Background Checks and Safety
When I coached, we were meticulous about background checks. Every coach underwent a thorough verification process through an independent third-party organization. These checks helped ensure that there was no record of any issues, particularly related to child abuse. This was a crucial step in creating a safe environment for our kids. We understood that every measure was crucial to protect the well-being of our children, even though we felt comparatively safe.
The Need for Vigilance
Over the years, both through my experiences with patients and the stories of others, I've learned the hard way that trust must be earned and vigilance is a must. I've made it a point to be present, closely observing and assessing the behavior and focus of those around my children. Understanding a person's true intentions can be challenging, but it is absolutely necessary. Child molesters can be highly skilled and manipulative, but their behavior often gives away their true nature. They often have a hard time preventing their eyes from giving away their true feelings, and they may also be overly interested in child-related pictures and content.
Pinpointing Red Flags
There is no room for second-guessing when it comes to protecting our children. I maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior, and I actively discourage so-called "friends of the family" from being around the kids. Our family does not embrace touchy-feely behaviors, and if I ever notice someone displaying such behavior towards a child, it immediately raises a red flag. It is crucial to take such instances seriously, especially when they don't come from the child's parents or grandparents.
Systemic Issues and Organizational Trust
Unfortunately, even the most trusted institutions can fall short. Instances of widespread child sexual abuse within organizations where safety guidelines are supposed to be in place are deeply concerning. These incidents not only shock us but also challenge our trust in established systems. Our children are entrusted to our care, and we must do everything in our power to arm them with the education and protection they need to thrive. Even with such precautions, the statistics are alarming: one in four female children and one in five male children are sexually abused. This realization underscores the importance of being an informed and vigilant parent.
Mandated Reporting and Legal Actions
Being a mandated reporter is a crucial responsibility for every adult. When we suspect any form of inappropriate behavior, it is our duty to bring it to the attention of the appropriate authorities. The enablers of such behaviors often go unnoticed, and they too need to be held accountable. While some may only take action when there is a financial motive, such as through lawsuits, it is imperative that we use whatever means necessary to protect our children.
Your Role as a Parent
If you have doubts about a coach or any other individual around your child, it's important to address these concerns. Sit your child down for a chat to understand their feelings and observations. Make an informed decision about whether or not to report your concerns, even if it's just a gut feeling. Protecting our children should never be an afterthought.
Remember, trust is earned, and vigilance is key. Together, we can ensure a safer environment for our children, both in and out of the coaching field.