Tropicalia Island

FUNDACIÓN RANA

From birth, children need an environment of trust and affection in order to grow, develop, and learn about the world around them. Trust is the foundation of protection and communication, enabling children to meet their needs and achieve well-being. The combination of communication and trust creates a safe bridge between children and adults.

These two concepts are closely linked to the prevention of sexual abuse, as they involve two clear situations:

• Trust is what an aggressor needs in order to approach a child and cross their boundaries. This can create a feeling of betrayal that may lead to a loss of trust in adults, in oneself, and in the world at large.
• When a victim feels lost, voiceless, and hopeless, they need trust in order to ask for help and communicate how they feel and what they need.

It is always important to make it clear to children that sometimes adults can make mistakes and hurt others. If someone close to them ever does something wrong to them, it can be talked about. Being chosen as the person a child confides in about a situation of abuse is something that is built over time; it does not happen overnight. It grows out of closeness, verbal communication, and also gestures: listening, showing affection, and being present. When children identify trust and communication in a person, they know that they have found a safe refuge.

As children grow, their circle of trusted people expands: family members, educators, friends, teachers, coaches, and others. For this reason, it is essential to establish strong channels of communication between the child and their trusted figures, as well as among the adults themselves.

In  Tropicalia Island, trust is symbolized through Nil’s mother and family, through Mango when he comes to life, and through the relationships that gradually develop with the island’s inhabitants. Building healthy, affectionate relationships with good communication is a challenge for families and requires being truly present.

During the reading, what questions can we ask ourselves?

• Do you think Nil trusts Mango?
• Is Nil happy when his mother wakes him up in his bedroom in the morning?
• Nil seems to have a great time with his family at the beach… and you, what plan would you like to do? If we could organize that plan you like so much, who would you invite?

How can we continue strengthening bonds of trust and communication?

• Plan a family activity once a week: go to the park, watch a movie with popcorn, ride bikes together… Spending time together is essential.
• Take advantage of car rides to talk about music, think about the family plan for the following week, or play guessing games.
• Involve the child in decision-making: What would you like for dinner? Which pajamas do you want to wear today?
• Some children need alternative ways to communicate. If you notice that a child is nervous and does not want to express themselves with words, try drawing together!