Conversations that Help Build Safety: A Parent’s Guide
Practical questions and guidance for open, honest talks about trust, boundaries, and digital influence.
How to Use This Guide
At ZOE International, we believe every child deserves to be safe, valued, and free—and that parents play a vital role in making that possible. Talking with your child about difficult topics takes courage, and it matters more than ever. Kids today are surrounded by messages that shape how they see trust, safety, and identity. Not all of those messages are safe or true.
That’s why your voice is so powerful. You are still your child’s safest place and strongest guide. You don’t need to be an expert—just calm, consistent, and willing to listen. Honest conversations help your child build trust, recognize unsafe behavior, and stay grounded, even when culture feels confusing. A few thoughtful talks over time can make a lasting impact. You are exactly who your child needs.
This Guide will help you:
• Ask meaningful questions in age-appropriate ways
• Talk about trust, boundaries,and digital influence with confidence
• Recognize red flags and normalize speaking up early
• Build an ongoing rhythm of conversation, not a one-time talk
Having Open Conversations
SIMPLE WAYS TO BUILD TRUST AND KEEP YOUR CHILD TALKING
Be calm and curious
When you respond with steadiness—even to unexpected answers— you show your child it’s safe to keep sharing.
Ask during natural moments
Car rides, bedtime, and walks are great times to talk without pressure.
Let silence happen
Give them time to process and respond.
Avoid “yes” or “no” questions
Use open-ended prompts to invite fuller responses.
Reflect back what they say
Show that you’re really listening by repeating back their words or asking gentle follow-ups.
Reassure them often
Create a safe space for your child to be honest. Tell them, “Even if you think you did something wrong, you can always tell. We will figure it out together. What’s most important is that you are safe.”
Talking About Boundaries
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOUR CHILD RECOGNIZE AND RESPECT THEIR OWN BOUNDARIES
• What does it mean to have control over your own body? How do you want people to treat you when you say “stop” or “no?”
• Can you think of a time someone respected your boundary? How did that make you feel?
• How do you know when something crosses the line from playful to uncomfortable?
• What do you do when someone doesn’t take no for an answer?
• What kinds of touch feel safe or unsafe to you?
• What would you do if someone said something that made you feel weird, even if they were joking?
• When do you feel the most in charge of your body or choices?
• How can you tell when someone is trying to pressure you?
• What helps you feel brave enough to speak up when something feels wrong?
• Have you ever stayed quiet because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings?
• What do you think it means to be respectful of someone else’s space or feelings?
• What would you do if a friend dared you to do something that made you uncomfortable?
• How do you decide if something is private or okay to share?
• What would you say if someone tried to make you feel guilty for saying no?
• When do you feel safest to be honest about what you like and don’t like?
• Can you think of a time when you changed your mind about something—what helped you feel okay doing that?
• How do you think boundaries help protect friendships?
• What should someone do if they see a friend being touched or treated in a way that feels wrong?
• What does it mean to you to stand up for yourself?
Talking About Trust
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOUR CHILD NOTICE WHO FEELS SAFE —AND WHY
• What does trust mean to you?
• How do you know when you can trust someone?
• Can someone be nice but still not be safe?
• Who do you feel most comfortable being honest with?
• Has anyone ever told you not to tell your parents? What did that feel like?
• What would you do if someone made you uncomfortable but told you to keep it a secret?
• Can you tell when someone is pretending to be kind?
• What kinds of people feel safe to be around?
• What makes someone a good listener?
• How do you decide who to believe when different people say different things?
• What would you do if a friend wanted you to hide something from an adult?
• Is it easy or hard to tell me when something’s bothering you?
• Have you ever had a feeling that something wasn’t right, even if you couldn’t explain it?
• When something feels off, who would you want to talk to first?
• What helps you know that someone is safe to be around?
• What do you notice about people who make you feel safe and respected?
• How do you feel when someone believes you right away?
• What would make it easier for you to talk to an adult if something felt wrong?
• How do you know the difference between a friend and someone who just wants something from you?
• What does it mean to you when someone keeps a promise?
Talking About Digital Influence
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOUR CHILD THINK CRITICALLY
ABOUT WHAT THEY SEE, HEAR, AND SHARE ONLINE
• What do you enjoy most about the apps, games, or videos you use?
• How do you feel after spending time online—more relaxed, more stressed, or something else?
• Who are some people you like to watch or follow online? What do you admire about them?
• Do you think people always act the same online as they do in real life?
• Have you ever seen a video or post that made you feel weird or uncomfortable?
• What would you do if someone messaged you and said not to tell anyone?
• How do you know if a message or post is true or trustworthy?
• What do you think influencers want from the people who follow them?
• Have you ever felt like you needed to act, dress, or talk a certain way because of what you saw online?
• What’s the difference between something that’s funny and something that’s inappropriate online?
• Have you ever clicked on something that wasn’t what you thought it would be?
• What should you do if a friend sends you something that seems unsafe or makes you uncomfortable?
• How do you decide what is okay or not okay to share online?
• What would you do if someone online made you feel uncomfortable or pressured?
• Who would you come to if you saw something online that scared or confused you?
• Have you ever seen someone being treated unkindly online? What did you think or feel?
• How do you feel when people post pictures or videos of themselves? Do you ever feel pressure to do the same?
• What kind of things do you think people post to get attention or likes?