Day 1: Communication
Safe & Sound is a free 21-day program to help parents, grandparents and caregivers protect children from abuse. Developed by Oregon Child Advocacy Centers, this 2024 Safe & Sound program for Central Oregon is brought to you by KIDS Center in collaboration with Protect Our Children.
Welcome!
Today we're kicking off Safe & Sound by talking about the biggest protective factor against child abuse: COMMUNICATION. And we can already hear you through the screen asking, “How do I do that?” We've adapted some strategies to help parents and caregivers really TALK with kids.
It’s called Ten Minute Floor Time.
Adapted from Dr. Amy Stoeber
Ten Minute Floor Time is as simple as it sounds. It takes ten minutes. You sit on the floor. You give your child your full attention. And then you let your child decide how they want to spend this magic time with you.
Ten Minute Floor Time works best when you approach it as an almost-daily practice. It may take several days (or weeks!) before your child adapts to this new routine. And it may be even longer before your child trusts that they can really open up and ask or tell you anything. Good communication doesn't happen overnight. You need to lay a foundation. And Ten Minute Floor Time will help.
So let's get started!
How to do Ten Minute Floor Time
Find a consistent time.
Take 10 uninterrupted minutes to be with your child. Aim for 3-4 times a week.
Pick a space.
It could be your child’s room, the family room, or the kitchen table. What's important is that the space feels comfortable for them. For kids 10 and under, remove distractions, including phones and other devices. And be sure to switch off your phone too.
Give your child control.
Let your child know that for the next ten minutes, they get to guide this time. They can ask you to play a game. They can ask you to read to them. If your child isn't sure what to do with this time, just sit and just be near them. If you have a tween or teen, you might just be in the room while they read, do school work, or just exist independently. For every age of child, let them know that they can talk to you about anything, which means they can also ask you any question. Nothing's off limits.
Be honest.
If your child does ask a question, be open and honest with your answers. This is how you build trust. If you don’t know an answer to a question, say so. And say you will find the answer together.
Keep it pressure-free.
Don't rush an activity. Don't ask about grades or homework or their social life. If your child would rather play than talk, that's ok! Play is still a form of communication. Focus on enjoying each other's company.
Why it works.
To have a healthy relationship with your child, good communication is essential. And kids find comfort in the routine of an activity like 10 Minute Floor Time. The more comfortable you and your child are talking, especially with “taboo” topics, the strong your bond will become.
That’s it for Day 1! See you tomorrow!
More ways to participate in Safe & Sound:
Visit the 2024 Safe & Sound page and catch up on daily activities.