https://thesafekidsproject.com/

The Safe Kids Project, 1 Alpers Terrace, Napier (2025)

05/11/2025

This morning, the sun was already hot when we stepped outside, and I could see the resistance on his face before I even opened the bottle of sunblock.

He said, “No!”
And I get it , it’s his body.

But it’s also my job to keep him safe.

These are the moments that test us as parents, the moments where safety and autonomy collide.

I know so many parents feel that same pull:
“Am I overstepping?”
“Am I teaching him that his no doesn’t matter?”

What I’ve learned is that how we handle these moments matters most.

By explaining, involving, and staying calm, we show our children that their voice still matters, even when we must step in for safety.

If you’d like to handle these moments, like sunscreen refusals, seatbelts, or handwashing battles, with more confidence and ease, DM me. I can flick through some info on my Signature Programme so you can make body safety feel natural and normal in your child’s early years.

31/10/2025

As a child psychologist, I’ve heard too many stories that begin with,
“I thought it was just a normal playdate…”
A day meant for friendship and fun can sometimes be the moment a parent realizes how quickly “safe” situations can turn uneasy.

When another adult crosses a line, offers something that feels off, or makes a child uncomfortable, it’s not just a “stranger danger” story.
It’s a moment that tests everything we’ve taught our children about trust, instincts, and boundaries.

And when our children do the brave thing, say “no,” walk away, and tell us what happened, our response matters more than ever.

It’s in these quiet, trembling moments that they learn:
~ “I can trust my feelings.”
~ “I can tell my parent anything.”
~ “It’s not my fault.”

Body safety education isn’t about living in fear. It’s about giving our children the language, knowledge, and courage to face the world even when we’re not beside them.

If you want to feel more confident about your child’s next playdate or sleepover, my Playdates & Sleepovers Safety Checklist will help you prepare so your child has fun and stays safe.

✨ Comment or DM me CHECKLIST to get your free copy.

29/10/2025

As a psychologist who works with parents every day, one of the most common questions I hear is —
“Where do I even start when it comes to teaching body safety?”

And the truth is… it doesn’t always start with a big, sit-down conversation.
It starts in the small moments.

When your child says “no” and you listen.
When they pick their own clothes because they know what feels comfortable.
When you remind them at school drop-off that they can always come to you.

These everyday moments might seem simple — but they’re powerful.
They’re how your child learns to trust their body, their instincts, and their voice.

And if you’d love to take this even further, reading together can be one of the most natural ways to teach these lessons.

Books open doors to conversations that feel gentle and safe — even about big topics like consent and boundaries.

That’s why I created The Power of Books training — a mini session that shows you exactly how to use storytime to build your child’s confidence and body safety awareness.

Comment or DM me the word "STORY" and I’ll send you all the details.

28/10/2025

Working as a psychologist for quite some time, I’ve witnessed so many loving parents missing the true point of body safety education.

They think it’s about protecting their child 24/7, never letting them out of sight, always being there to prevent something bad from happening.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned over the years:
We can’t always be there.
And body safety isn’t about constant protection, it’s about preparation.

It’s about giving our children the knowledge, language, and courage to recognize when something doesn’t feel right… and to respond with confidence.

Because the goal isn’t to shield them from the world, it’s to help them walk through it safely.

If you’d love a simple way to start these conversations at home, grab our Body Autonomy Affirmation Cards, they’re a gentle, everyday tool to help your child build that confidence from within.

Comment or DM me the word "CARDS" and I’ll send you the link.

24/10/2025

As a psychologist specializing in sexual harm prevention, I’ve seen how simple, everyday conversations can make a huge difference in empowering children to understand their boundaries. It’s all about normalizing body safety so it becomes a natural part of their life just like talking about their day or what they ate for lunch.

Here are some conversation starters to make body safety an easy, ongoing topic in your family’s daily routine:

1️⃣ “Was there anything surprising or different about today?” This opens the door to uncover moments where something felt off—like a game or interaction that made them uncomfortable.

2️⃣ “Did you hear something today you haven’t heard before?” This child-friendly question invites curiosity and helps you address any confusing or concerning moments they might have encountered.

3️⃣ “Who did you spend the most time with today? What did you do together?” A simple way to explore the dynamics of their interactions and check if any relationships need more attention, ensuring their safety is always a priority.

4️⃣ “Did you learn something new today that you hadn’t tried before?” This helps uncover any new experiences, like a game or activity involving touch, giving you the chance to reinforce body autonomy and consent.

These questions make body safety part of your everyday life, showing your child that it’s always okay to talk about their boundaries and how they feel. This builds trust and ensures they know they can come to you with anything.

Body safety doesn’t need to be a heavy topic. By making it a normal part of your conversations, you create a safe, open space for your child to grow, learn, and trust their instincts.

If you missed the special offer last September for my course, don’t worry, follow me so you’ll be the first to know when the next round opens.

But in the meantime, you can start with The Power of Books Training where you’ll learn how to use everyday storytime to teach body safety with confidence, using practical scripts and real examples that make conversations feel natural and easy.

Comment or DM me the word “ story” and I’ll send you all the details.

22/10/2025

When we sent out our recent parent survey, one response hit me hard:
So many parents said their biggest fear isn’t just what might happen but that their child wouldn’t recognize when something feels wrong… or be too scared to tell them.
I get it.

Even as someone who teaches body safety, I’ve felt that same ache in my chest wondering if I’ve done enough to help my child find their voice when it really matters.

One night, that worry turned into a quiet conversation during storytime. A simple book opened the door to questions I didn’t even know my child was ready to ask. And in that moment, I saw how powerful stories can be.

Because sometimes, the best way to prepare our kids isn’t through warnings or what-ifs…
It’s through the stories that teach them to trust themselves and us.

That’s why I created my Free Book Recommendations Guide, a curated list of stories that make body safety conversations easier, gentler, and more natural for both of you.

Comment “BOOKS” below to grab your free copy and start turning storytime into safety time.

21/10/2025

Body autonomy doesn’t stop when you set limits—it’s about how you set them. Clear communication is key!

I believe in respecting my kids’ body autonomy, but there are times I need to set boundaries for their safety and well-being. How I communicate these limits makes all the difference.

Here’s my 4-step approach to clear body communication:

Explain—I calmly tell them what needs to happen: ‘We need to wash our hands before eating.’

Provide a reason—I make it meaningful: ‘This helps keep us healthy and safe from germs.’

Seek clarification—I check in with them: ‘Do you understand why this is important?’

Stay consistent—I follow through every time, so they know what to expect.

Without clear communication, boundaries can feel confusing or even like a power struggle. Kids might feel their autonomy is being ignored, which can lead to resistance or mistrust.

Body autonomy and boundaries aren’t opposites—they work together. By clearly explaining limits and reasons, we empower our children to understand that rules are there to protect and respect them.

How do you communicate body autonomy limits in your home? Share your experiences below! 👇

20/10/2025

Last time we sent out a parent survey, one question really stood out:
“Did you receive body safety education growing up?”
And the answers were eye-opening. Most parents said none at all.
Maybe a quick talk about “stranger danger,” but never about consent, boundaries, or how to protect ourselves in everyday situations.

And it makes sense, our parents weren’t given the tools either. These conversations just didn’t exist then. But here we are learning, unlearning, and doing things differently for our children. Because even if we didn’t grow up hearing these words, we can make sure our kids do.

If you want a simple way to start, grab my Free Body Autonomy Affirmation Cards, gentle, ready-to-use prompts to help you teach boundaries, consent, and confidence in everyday moments.

Comment “CARDS” below, and I’ll send them your way.

17/10/2025

The truth is, most of us don’t need “perfect” words.
We just need small, consistent ones.
Moments that feel natural, not forced.

That’s why I started using storytime as my guide.
Books gave me the language I didn’t have.
They opened the door to conversations I was scared to start.
And before I knew it, those tiny moments became the foundation of trust between us.
If you’ve ever felt unsure how to start, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I created The Power of Books Training a gentle, practical guide that helps parents use stories to teach body safety with confidence.

Because sometimes, the most powerful conversations start with the turn of a page. 📚

👉 Comment STORY below to learn more.

The Safe Kids Project

05/11/2025

31/10/2025

29/10/2025

28/10/2025

24/10/2025

22/10/2025

21/10/2025

20/10/2025

17/10/2025

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