Believe Remember that children seldom lie about acts of sexual exploitation. It is important for the child to feel that you believe that the abuse happened. Help Reduce Stress Children in abusive homes are under a lot of stress. Create a safe, calm, soothing environment with soft music and quiet games. Honest Don t make promises you can t keep.
Children expect adults to fix every problem.
Explain that there are things you can do and things you can t do. The child must believe that you are sympathetic, understanding, supportive, and optimistic in order to feel comfortable in discussing feelings and talking about other incidences. Set Clear Limits Let the child know your limits and rules. Be consistent when rewarding good behavior and dealing with bad behavior. Spend time with the child.