Identifying and targeting the victim. Any child or teen may be a potential victim. Some predators may be attracted to children and youth with certain characteristics or may target youth with certain co-existing factors—such as vulnerable parents—to facilitate the crime.
Gaining trust and access. The perpetrator may observe the child and assesses his/her vulnerabilities to learn how best to approach and interact with the child. Perpetrators may offer the victims special attention, understanding and a sympathetic ear, and then engage the child in ways that eventually gain their friendship and trust (they may play games with victims or give them rides, provide them with gifts and/or special treats).
Playing a role in the child’s life. The perpetrator may manipulate the relationship so that it appears he or she is the only one who fully understands the child or meets the child’s needs in a particular way. A perpetrator may also exploit a youth’s empathy and convince the young person that s/he is the only one who understands the perpetrator and reinforce that the perpetrator “needs” the child or youth.
Isolating the child. Offering the child rides and/or taking the child out of his or her surroundings is one way that the perpetrator may separate the child from others and gain access to the child alone, so that others cannot witness the abuse. (Note that in other instances, perpetrators have been successful in molesting victims without detection while other adults were in the room.)
Creating secrecy around the relationship. The perpetrator may reinforce the special connection with the victim when they are alone or through private communication with the victim (such as letters emails, or text messages), and strengthen it with admonitions against telling anyone, lest others be unhappy about it. The perpetrator may threaten the victim with disclosure, suicide, physical harm to the child or loved ones, or other traumas if he or she tells.
Initiating sexual contact. With the power over the child victim established through emotional connection coercion or one of the other tactics, the perpetrator may eventually initiate physical contact with the victim. It may begin with touching that is not overtly sexual (though a predator may find it sexually gratifying) and that may appear to be casual (arm around the shoulder, pat on the knee, etc.). Gradually, the perpetrator may introduce more sexualized touching. By breaking down inhibitions and desensitizing the child, the perpetrator can begin overtly touching the child.
Controlling the relationship. Perpetrators rely on the secrecy of the relationship to keep it going, and to ensure that the child will not reveal the abuse. Children are often afraid of disclosing the abuse. They may have been told that they will not be believed, or that something about the child “makes” the abuser do this to them. The child may also feel shame, or fear that they will be blamed. Often, the perpetrator threatens the child to ensure that s/he won’t disclose the abuse.

Nurturing steps:

1. Understanding the growth mindset

A growth mindset encourages us to learn from our mistakes, overcome fear and failure, and explore the world around us.

A growth mindset focuses on the belief in working hard and not giving up. This mindset helps us to see mistakes as an opportunity to learn, have an open mind, and grow.

2. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities

Everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay!

Help your child view mistakes as chances to learn, improve, and grow. Encourage them to think about what went wrong, find new solutions, and try again. It's healthy for children to view mistakes as a learning opportunity because it will encourage them to become better problem solvers.

3. Model and encourage positive self-talk

How a child sees their parents think can impact their mindset, opinions, and views.

It's helpful for parents to be mindful of how they accept and talk about their own mistakes and challenges. For example, say, "I haven't figured out this math problem yet, but I will if I keep trying." Using positive words like "yet" can show children that you believe in yourself and that learning takes effort, time, and patience.

4. Praise effort and progress

When your child does well, focus on how hard they worked and the progress they've made.

Instead of just saying, "Good job," talk about the strategies they used and how they never gave up. This type of language will highlight the child's efforts and hard work. Encourage your child to reflect on their progress and not only the result or outcome.

5. Set realistic goals and celebrate progress

Goals can motivate your child to do their best.

Encourage them to set goals that are possible to achieve. Breaking big goals into smaller steps or tasks makes them more manageable and less overwhelming. As the child takes steps toward their goal, it's important to celebrate their progress and achievements along the way! Explain to your children that learning, improvement, and growth happen over time.

For example, if your child’s goal is to finish a chapter book, even if you start with 5 minutes per day, in time, the entire book will be read.

6. Encourage curiosity and a love for learning

Support your child's curiosity and interests. Encourage your child to explore new things and take risks.

7. Foster a supportive learning environment

Create a safe and supportive home environment where your child feels comfortable making mistakes and asking for help. This can help your child build confidence to embrace future challenges

Teaching our children the power of a growth mindset can help them face new situations and enjoy learning new skills. As the new school year approaches, encouraging this mindset can help children succeed both emotionally and academically.

KATANGA CHRISTIAN CHILDREN GROOMING AND NURTURE

Discover our Christian values, mission, and passion for nurturing children's spirituality on: www.kccgnorg.net

Location

Katanga Christian Children Grooming and Nurture Ltd.

P.o Box 158461

Kampala,Uganda

Contact

director@kccgnorg.net
+256-775417094/ +256-706769404