LET`S BEGIN!
FUNDACIÓN RANA
Socially, talking about anything related to sexuality can cause nervousness, discomfort, or uncertainty. Facing that fear is the first step.
Sex education is a protective response to today’s realities, where early exposure to pornography, the high incidence of abuse, and growing concern about group sexual assaults—among other issues—shape the lives of many children and young people.
Sexuality encompasses many aspects: understanding one’s own body, self-image, and the way we relate to others and the world around us. For this reason, preventing child and adolescent sexual abuse is an essential part of sex education—something families, thanks to their role and close bond with the children, are uniquely positioned to provide with confidence and conviction.
Reading Tropicalia Island together with children will be easier if you keep these ideas in mind:
Any moment is a good moment to talk about the topic. Bedtime, a rainy winter afternoon, a vacation morning… taking advantage of everyday moments with children is key to bringing a natural feel to the conversation.
Tropicalia Island is meant to be enjoyed. It invites children and adults to play, talk, and reflect. When approached as a shared reading activity between a child and their family, it creates a meaningful moment of connection and bonding.
You don’t need to be an expert in sexual abuse to read this story. The book tells the story of a curious child eager to discover the world who, through a dream about Tropicalia Island, opens the door to conversations about important aspects of violence prevention. Above all, it is a way to provide children with tools to face life with a strong foundation of values.
Children’s curiosity is endless, and sometimes it can make adults unsure about how to respond in an age-appropriate way. If you have doubts about how to read the book or how to answer a particular question, that’s okay. You can write to info@fundacionrana.org for guidance and support.
Trusted adults play an essential role in preventing sexual abuse. Being willing to talk and being emotionally present during the early years of a child’s life is the first step toward becoming a safe and trusted reference person. Spending time together sends a clear message: If you need help, have a question, feel upset, or want to tell me something… I’m here for you.