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What’s going on?
It is natural for children and youth be curious about all matters related to sexuality. The developmental changes of puberty bring a new awareness and drive to sexual feelings, identity, and behavior. It is normal for adolescents to challenge family rules and expectations as they establish their own values and identity. In today’s society, sexual information and imagery is instantly available to children and cultural standards seem to shift daily. At times, young people don’t have the maturity or wisdom to discern risk or check their impulses. Unhealthy and risky situations can result, creating fear and family conflict. Potential issues include weak or non-existent sexual boundaries, unhealthy sexual experimentation, sexual obsession, inappropriate physical or sexual contact, and chronic self-stimulation. Other issues can arise around the development of each child’s sexual identity, values and norms, and body image. Any of these behaviors can be extremely distressing for kids and their parents. Solutions are found in safety, structure and connection Through education, individual and family counseling, we help children and their parents work through difficult issues in an open, supportive way. We value each family member’s experience, perspective and needs. Our most important goals are to ensure safety and strengthen the bonds of love and care in the family. We guide families in responding positively and effectively through the crisis and beyond, helping children resume a healthy, age-appropriate maturation of their sexual values and behaviors. Working with our counselors, family members gain knowledge and insight into their behaviors. Families also create new structure for their lives, developing safe, stimulating activities, and establishing new, healthy habits and limits. Working together, families develop an optimal degree of flexibility and closeness, restoring trust and bridging communication gaps. Vertical Divider
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Unfortunately, many children are being introduced to cyberspace before they are psychologically capable of assessing and processing what they are being exposed to. Kids as young as four years old are competent with technology but they are not aware of the risks or potential consequences of developing online relationships or accessing content that is violent and sexually graphic. Children can be traumatized if exposed to extreme content, resulting in anxiety, depression and other significant disorders.
Here are some links for further information: www.fightthenewdrug.org www.covenanteyes.com www.addictionhope.com |