During the summer, our young sons, 5-7-years-old, are likely to be in situations where they are alone with people they may or may not know. This is the age to begin talks about protecting themselves from unwanted touching. This is also the age group most affected by people who want to take advantage of them. Sadly, the most likely predator might be a family member who your child knows and trusts.

It is important to educate our sons about the possibilities without scaring them or causing them to be frightened by people they should be able to trust. When they are at summer camps, we want them to have a great time and have fun with camp leaders and not wonder if something bad might happen.

I think it is best to teach them about their body and how protect it. Let them know it is always important to protect their genitals. Their genitals are the testicles inside the scrotum and their penis. The genitals are located in the part of their body covered by a swim suit.

It can be a simple discussion that explains it is okay for mom, dad and their doctor to exam their genitals, but it is a private place and no one else should be touching him there. If that happens, they should let you know. I would be careful not to mention different people they need to protect themselves from and just explain the importance of protecting their own body.

This is a discussion you can have periodically just to check and make sure nothing has happened, but again, I would keep the conversation casual.