Episode 255: Protecting Kids: Body Safety, Boundaries, and Abuse Prevention Tips for Parents with Dr. Bronwen Carroll
/This week on The Balanced Parent Podcast, Laura is joined by pediatric emergency medicine physician and advocate Dr. Bronwen Carroll for an important conversation about childhood sexual abuse prevention and how parents can better support their children’s safety.
Content Note: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse. You may want to listen with earbuds if children are nearby. And, as always, give yourself grace if these topics are too hard for the space and time you’re currently in. You can always come back to it when you are ready.
Here are the topics we covered:
Teaching kids body safety, boundaries, and age-appropriate abuse prevention conversations
How predators groom children and how parents can prevent harm
How abuse prevention talks can be safe & empowering, not anxiety-inducing
Helping older kids navigate secrets, privacy, and reporting concerns safely
Helping kids understand safety without developing self-blame after harm
Recognizing warning signs and supporting child safety disclosure conversations
Teaching kids exit strategies and safety communication for situations
Responding to child disclosure of abuse with belief and support
Guiding kids through pornography exposure, curiosity, and healthy sexuality as they age
For more resources from Dr. Bronwen Carroll you can find her on Instagram @bronwencarrollmd and on her website bronwencarrollmd.com, where she shares helpful reels, scripts, and upcoming work including a book coming in 2027.
Remember, you don’t have to get it perfect—what matters most is that you’re willing to start the conversation and keep it going.
Tune in to feel more confident, grounded, and supported in having these important conversations with your child.