{"id":197105,"date":"2024-06-12T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=197105"},"modified":"2024-06-12T18:43:44","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:43:44","slug":"ffsp-webinars-help-navy-parents-with-the-talk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=197105","title":{"rendered":"FFSP Webinars Help Navy Parents with \u2018The\u2019 Talk"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Talking to your child about their bodies and sexual health is important in their healthy development from childhood to adulthood.<\/p>\n

Commander, Navy Installations Command\u2019s (CNIC\u2019s) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) help families overcome the negative stigma of these discussions through a series of webinars titled, \u201cSHAPE\u201d (Sexual Health through Approachable Prevention and Education).<\/p>\n

\u201cSHAPE webinars are designed for parents and caregivers who are seeking information on how to discuss sexual health and development with their child,\u201d said Amy Fustino, MSS, MLSP, LCSW, clinical analyst with CNIC. \u201cIt\u2019s also for parents who have a child who has exhibited or is impacted by problematic sexual behavior or PSB-CY (Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth).\u201d<\/p>\n

SHAPE gives parents and caregivers information and tools to effectively respond to their child\u2019s sexual behaviors and questions. Facilitators teach parents appropriate terminology to identify body parts in discussions with their child, using person-first language to express behavior and promote healing in incidents of PSB-CY.<\/p>\n

SHAPE was developed to help parents and caregivers become proactive partners to support healthy child sexual development and prevent or reduce problematic sexual behavior. The webinars give parents age-appropriate responses with factual and honest conversations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you say to a nine-year-old is completely different than what you would say to a teenager; however, it should always be factual and honest,\u201d said Fustino. \u201cThese classes give parents the information to understand what is normative and expected at each age and builds their confidence by providing specific examples on how they can respond to their child at various ages.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fustino added a child\u2019s sexual development is a vital aspect of a child\u2019s overall growth, covering biological, psychological, and social dimensions.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite its importance, many parents feel ill-equipped to talk about this sensitive subject confidently,\u201d she said. \u201cOften, discussions are delayed until a child reaches puberty, yet research indicates that early and frequent education, beginning as early as two years old, produces the best results.\u201d<\/p>\n

By supplying parents with accurate information and age-appropriate communication strategies, parents will in turn, be able to empower their children to grow in supportive environments where they can explore their development and sexuality, set boundaries, and confidently seek assistance. Additionally, such education enables parents to identify and address signs of abuse or problematic behavior, thereby safeguarding their children\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n

SHAPE gives parents the tools they need to proactively talk with their children about sexual health and development topics through demonstrations, videos, and practical exercises.<\/p>\n

SHAPE is a modular course that allows learners to attend sections most relevant to their child\u2019s age group. For example:<\/p>\n