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THE WEEKEND OUTLOOK Friday June 1991 Streetproof ing children is a difficult task By STEVEN The Herald While authorcolumnist Sharon McKay of Terra Cotta had many important things to share with the Georgetown Parent Child Centre Tuesday evening on streetproofing children she began her lecture by stressing that she is not an ex pert on the topic Im not an expert Ms McKay explained No one can say they are an expert on this matter A former columnist with the Toronto Star and author of three books on child safety Ms McKay explained to parents that because the problems of child abuse and child violence are increasing the old phrase of telling your children not to talk to strangers is not enough any more During her two hour lecture entitled Gently and Creatively also the title of her most recent publication she stated that people were very disturbed when she first began lecturing years ago in treal She says when she came to Canada from Ireland 10 years ago one social worker was ap palled when she tried to obtain in formation from her on child violence During her first lecture she said half the people got up and left within the first few minutes We are the first generation of parents who are really aware of these problems and because were the first we are going to make mistakes she told listeners But we will make OFFICE MAGIC FOR ALL YOUR OFFICE STATIONERY NEEDS Guelph St Georgetown mistakes because we are trying to do our best Ms McKay states that one of the biggest problems concerning sexually abused children is the parent child relationship that parents often dont know how to listen to their children She says that stones become exaggerated or are made light of because of this There is a big problem in say ing that a child was only flashed Each child reacts differently to sexual abuse Sexual abuse should be defined by the childs perspective During her lecture she brought many surprising figures provided by Statistics Canada She quoted that before the age of one in every three girls and one in every five boys will in some way be sex ually abused She also stated that of the children who are murdered or abducted each year the ma are killed Or taken away by people who are known to the child Since 1980 an average of 54 children are murdered each year thirds of these children are mi dered their parents Tot is that its really hard say dont talk to your parents said McKay Of McKays five steps on how to make children she lists a twohour lecture for children on selfesteem as the most important She explains that children with low self esteem particularly foster children or handicapped children are the most likely to be abused She- states that it takes a lot of inner power for a child to say no For AN Your Fine China Silvoi Crystal Gift ware MAIN ST MILTON 8780050 BRAMPTONS CHEAPEST MATTRES SALE Bed Frame 3954 Limit Per Single Mattress Spring Construction SINGLE SET Double Mattress Spring Construction Queen Mattress Queen Set Orthopedic Twin Mattress Set Double Set 25 Year Warranty Sealy Double Set Orthopedic Sealy Queen Set Orthopedic King Set 20 Year Warranty QUEEN ORTHOPEDIC SET SUGG MIKE SALE ffllCE 11Q00 259 129 318 399 199 599 699 259 735 1299 FREE PILLOW PURCHASE OF MAn MATTRESS l CLEARANCE SALE COUNTRY MATTRESS SHOP She says that children need to experience choices at an early age and about sex when they are young so they feel com fortable talking about the topic She says children who feel un comfortable about the topic of sex will be less likely to ask im portant questions or approach their parents if they are abused A mother of two young boys Ms McKay stresses the im portance of telling children they are loved She has spoken to many groups of children and feels most believe at some point parental love disappears As our children become older it becomes harder and harder for us to tell them we love them and as they get older they often need to hear it even more Ms McKays last step on street proofing children one unique to lectures on this matter is making your child understand that not everyone is going to be like them While she admits this is a hard thing for a parent to impress in a youngster it is very important Once children realize this it makes it easier for them not to try to please everyone Ms McKay stresses This plays a big part in sexual abuse Instead of giving money to the Royal Bank Main St Branch in Georgetown to be deposited seated and Grant left of the Georgetown and District Seniors Association received money from the bank to be deposited by behind counter left to right Mike Reid manager of personal banking Steve Hay manager of both Money for seniors Royal Bank branches in Georgetown and Lou Senior Account manager Independent Business The group met Monday at the banks new seniors banking centre so bank managers could donate the they made selling at Pioneer Days to the Senior Association in support of their drive for a seniors centre Herald photo GRADUATES TO THE CLASS OF Something To Remember Don let your graduation pass without recording your achieve ment on our special PAGE OF HONOUR The Herald will be special page of our graduates showing their photos and comments for everyone to see and to be recorded forever in history Don t miss this opportunity order your space today A PAGE OF HONOUR ONLY tan Per Spot GST Included ACTUAL SIZE SHOWN Your message goes ho re DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY JUNE 26th Noon Publishing Date Friday June 28th 1991 HANDY PLACEMENT FORM Name School Message Drop this form and a picture at The Halton Hills HERALD 45 GUELPH STREET GEORGETOWN 8772201 or 8778822