01/21/2026
This is about intuition and protection-- not fear! I encourage you to consider what kind of harm certain people can bring and how many traits can signal you towards knowing a person is at the very least unhealthy all the way to all out dangerous for your child.
1. RESPECT - Does this person easily consider the child as a human with valid needs, emotions and opinions? People who get offended if the child doesn't hug them or let them kiss them are immature at best and feel entitled to crossing the child's boundaries. Children are allowed to feel uncomfortable and not be forced to do things
2. JOKES - Anyone who finds it funny or appropriate to make jokes that are dripping with innuendo or passive aggressive opinions about a child is telling you who they are. No safe person will joke about a toddler standing on a coffee table being a table dancer and joking about stripping. These are perversions clothed in humor.
3. US VS THEM - is there a neighbor or family member or teacher who seems to seek a special "us versus them" type of bond with your child? Always trying to show them something special in the other room or have secrets, say things like "ew mom is coming! Bummer" "I want you to have a cookie but your mom doesn't 🙄" These are intentionally divisive and help predators smell out kidseho have broken bonds with parents.
4. EXPOSURE - This is more specific to peer threats which are prevalent. Many children are over exposed to explicit content due to parental neglect. Children who have a hyper sexualized perspective are highly likely to show or discuss something of that nature to children who are innocent. All it takes is a comment, a story, an image or worse, a touch.... To change your child forever. Be aware of the parent and how the parents behave. Unregulated phone use is a major red flag and indicates a lack of discretion across the board. Child on child SA is unfortunately extremely common. Don'tlet your child be a statistic.
5. YOUR GUT - a feeling is enough. If you and/or your child dont feel right about someone... Dont hesitate. If it makes you seem awkward or crazy... So be it. Maybe you're right, maybe you're wrong.... Don't roll that dice .
