This Is How We Care

88: How We Empower Our Kids to Be Safe in Their Bodies with Victoria Barendsen

Episode Summary

Most parents want to protect their children but feel unsure where to begin the conversation around body safety, boundaries, and prevention. In this conversation, Emily sits down with Victoria Barendsen — a psychologist specializing in childhood sexual abuse prevention — to explore an accessible approach for normalizing body safety in everyday moments starting from birth. In this conversation you will learn: * Victoria’s own journey starting from trauma work to proactive prevention 
 * The language and modeling Victoria uses in her own home and teaches families to lay the groundwork for a generation of body safe kids 
 * Practical ways to begin conversations with other family members about consent 
 * The inner work parents and caregivers can do to hold space for their children around body safety 
 * Strategies for handling challenging moments like medical visits and interactions with relatives 
 * What aspects of body exploration is developmentally normal for children
 * How we can be advocates for protection without instilling fear
 * Language and techniques to reduce shame and stigma around bodies
 This episode underscores why neglecting these conversations can leave children vulnerable, while embracing these tools creates a ripple effect—building trust, resilience, and safety within your family and community. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this is crucial knowledge to shape a future where children’s bodies and voices are honored. View episode transcript + check out other episodes at www.thisishowwecare.com


Episode Notes

Most parents want to protect their children but feel unsure where to begin the conversation around body safety, boundaries, and prevention. In this conversation, Emily sits down with Victoria Barendsen — a psychologist specializing in childhood sexual abuse prevention — to explore an accessible approach for normalizing body safety in everyday moments starting from birth.

In this conversation you will learn:

• Victoria’s own journey starting from trauma work to proactive prevention 
• The language and modeling Victoria uses in her own home and teaches families to lay the groundwork for a generation of body safe kids 
• Practical ways to begin conversations with other family members about consent 
• The inner work parents and caregivers can do to hold space for their children around body safety 
• Strategies for handling challenging moments like medical visits and interactions with relatives 
• What aspects of body exploration is developmentally normal for children
• How we can be advocates for protection without instilling fear
• Language and techniques to reduce shame and stigma around bodies
   

This episode underscores why neglecting these conversations can leave children vulnerable, while embracing these tools creates a ripple effect—building trust, resilience, and safety within your family and community.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this is crucial knowledge to shape a future where children’s bodies and voices are honored.

Resources & Links

• Follow Victoria on Instagram @thesafekidsproject
• Resources mentioned by Victoria: Body Autonomy Affirmation Cards (Free), Book List (Free), Sleepover Checklist (Free), Foundations of Body Safety (Paid Course)
   

To stay in touch:

• Follow This Is How We Care on Instagram
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• Send an email to Emily at emily@thisishowwecare.com
• Check out other episodes at www.thisishowwecare.com