Recognize the Signs of Child Grooming

As children age, they become more independent, and that means parents have less control over the people their children interact with. This is especially true for parents who share physical custody and don’t always see their child on a daily basis.

Giving children independence is an important step toward growing up, even as a parent’s responsibility to protect their child remains as important as ever. Child grooming is a form of child abuse, and recognizing the signs of child grooming is one way that parents can protect their children, especially in shared custody situations.

If you suspect your child is being groomed, the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help. We work with individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania to handle child custody, including situations that involve abuse. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

What are the Signs of Child Grooming?

One of the many challenges of parenting is knowing the difference between normal emotional highs and lows and signs of a deeper problem. Children and teens can be quiet, sad, or withdrawn due to normal experiences like puberty or a fight with a friend.

Abuse and trauma can show physically, emotionally, and mentally. Children may not have the maturity or ability to explain what’s happening to them. A child or teen may have been told they shouldn’t tell anyone or will get in trouble if they do.

Emotional and behavioral indicators of grooming can vary depending on the child and other factors such as age and relationship to the adult in question. Unexplained changes to a child’s behavior, eating habits, or sleeping habits can be a red flag.

Other indicators that a child is being groomed and otherwise subjected to abuse or other trauma:

• Anxiety and depression
• A desire to avoid being alone with a certain person or group
• A fear of certain people or places
• Emotional outbursts such as anger or aggressiveness toward family, friends, or pets
• Withdrawing from normal activities or isolating from friends and family
• Behavioral changes such as acting out or becoming “perfect” or overly obedient
• Unexplained health issues, ranging from headaches or stomachaches to bruises
• Change in attitude towards school or academic performance; lack of interest in friends, sports, or other activities
• Frequent or new health issues such as headaches, stomach aches, or unexplained bruises or injuries
• Changes in body perception or engaging in self-harm
• Suicidal thoughts
• Regressing to outgrown activities such as bet wetting, thumb sucking, or activities a child once used to self-sooth
• Abnormal sexual behaviors or knowledge of sexual language and behaviors beyond the child’s maturity level

Parents know their children and what’s unusual or usual for them. The key is behavior or indicators that are unusual for your child.

Remember that child abuse is a crime. In shared custody situations, if the other parent ignores or denies concerns about child abuse, going to court to request changes to a custody agreement may be necessary. In these situations, parents need to gather as much information and evidence as possible.

Protect Your Child

When parents share custody and suspect a child is being subjected to grooming or other forms of abuse while with the other parent, the relationship the parents have can inform how to proceed. Safeguarding your child and removing them from dangerous situations, however, should always be the primary concern.

On the flip side, a co-parent may make false claims of abuse or grooming against you as a way to gain a better custody agreement. Whatever the situation, the focus should always be on the child’s best interests.

The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team assists parents and guardians throughout Pennsylvania with custody and abuse issues. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.