Realization of how much your childhood and the patterns you learned from affect your adult life. Families are the blueprints for how we build our lives. Mothers, fathers, grandparents and elders are the architects that shape us. I also, call out for men to love their children, be fathers, but do not be afraid to also be a friend. It is no secret that many of our children are angry. They are angry with parents, educators, ministers and the community at large for failing to give them what they need emotionally, culturally, spiritually, economically, socially and psychologically to survive and succeed in America. Yes, I know our ancestors did the very best they knew how. The violent forms of child sexual abuse that make headlines are not the only ones that leave lifelong scars. A child who grows up in an unstable environment where empathy, clear boundaries, and trust are lacking, can end up living a ravaged adulthood. Children can be crippled by mixed messages and family secrets. Many victims of these practices are not even sure their childhood was abusive. When parents do not believe a child that did not like the way a touch felt, this can be detrimental to the child and as the child becomes an adult; it can still hurt and cause problems for. Teach your child that their body is their own and that no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable or in a way that they do not like. Also, teach your child that they are "special" and have the right to know everything they can about being safe. Please explain that sexual abuse is confusing because it does not necessarily hurt; the touch can feel good. That is very confusing to children. Teach your child that it is very important to tell a trusted adult if someone sexually abuses them or hurts them in any way. If one adult does not listen, teach them to get someone responsible and trusting that will listen and believe them and do something about the situation. Make sur