God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies (God Made Me)

Parents with young children, you need to read God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies with your kids. Some books we read for enjoyment, but some books we read out of necessity. I wish this book wasn’t needed, but as the authors of this book are so tragically aware, one in five children is sexually abused by age eighteen. This book equips parents to equip their kids against would-be-abusers.Justin and Lindsey Holcomb have given parents an invaluable resource in this 32-page picture book (colorfully illustrated by Trish Mahoney), written for children aged two- to eight-years-old. They explain their purpose in a letter written on the first page to parents and caregivers:“We wrote this book as a tool so you can explain to your children that God made their bodies. Because private parts are private, there can be lots of questions, curiosity, or shame regarding them. For their protection, children need to know about private parts and understand that God made their body and made it special.The message children need to hear is: ‘God made all of you. Every part of your body is good, and some parts are private. He made the parts of your body that other people see every day, and he made your private parts. Every part is good because God made every part and called them good.'”The whole book then consists of a warm, natural conversation between a mom, dad, and their two kids, David and Kayla. The entire conversation is positive and upbeat, but Dad and Mom have several big ideas that they proactively want to make sure their kids understand:1. God made every part of our bodies good.2. It’s OK to say “No, thank you” if you don’t want to be touched.3. Our private parts are not for being touched or shown to others.4. Parents and doctors use safe, healthy touches to keep kids healthy and strong.5. Secrets are dangerous, and kids should tell Daddy and Mommy everything.6. If somebody’s touches are confusing, you should ask Daddy or Mommy for help.7. It’s very important to keep asking for help until someone pays attention.8. God loves us and cares about our safety.The book concludes with a special section for parents of ways to help protect their children against abuse (which summarizes and expands on the concepts included in the family conversation):1. “Explain to your child that God made their body.” Parents need to protect their kids from the popular misconception that our bodies (or certain parts of our bodies) are shameful.2. “Teach proper names of private body parts.” Even though it may be uncomfortable, parents should teach their kids the proper terms for their genitals. “This knowledge gives children correct language for understanding their bodies, for asking questions that need to be asked, and for telling about any behavior that could lead to sexual abuse.”3. “Invite your child’s communication.” Kids need to be assured that they will never be punished if they tell their parents about being inappropriately touched (in fact, Daddy and Mommy will affirm their bravery).4. “Talk about touches.” Kids need to be able to differentiate between touches that are appropriate and inappropriate, and they need to know that they are ultimately in charge of their own bodies.5. “Don’t ask your child to maintain your emotions.” Parents should guard against using language or phrasing which may be imitated by manipulative would-be-abusers.6. “Throw out the word ‘secret.'” Instead, parents should consider talking about “surprises” which cause excitement but don’t make children as susceptible to manipulation. “Perpetrators frequently ask their victims to keep things secret just between them.”7. “Clarify rules for playing ‘doctor.'” Parents should remind kids “that we don’t play games, like doctor, with our bodies.” Instead, they can redirect kids to play “doctor” with dolls or stuffed animals.8. “Identify whom to trust.” Parents should proactively help their kids know who they can trust with things that are scary, uncomfortable, or confusing.9. “Report suspected abuse immediately.” Anyone who suspects abuse should always report it to prevent it from continuing and harming more people.My only critique of the book is that it omits talking about physical discipline. Parents will need to work out with their kids both the reality that kids do indeed have control over their own bodies and the reality that Daddy and Mommy also have a God-given measure of control over their bodies (which sometimes includes controlled spanking done biblically out of love).Like I said at the beginning, I wish this book wasn’t needed, but we live in a fallen world with serious threats to our children, and so I’m so thankful that our families and churches can utilize this resource to equip and empower our children.Mary DeMuth (author of Not Marked: Finding Hope and Healing After Sexual Abuse), gives perhaps the most compelling (but sobering) endorsement:“I wish my family had this book when I was a little girl, because if they did I wouldn’t have the sexual abuse story I have today. This is an important, straightforward book.”The reality of abuse in our world makes us cry out with the psalmist: “Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted!” (Psalm 10:12). We know, however, that one day God will enact total justice “so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” (Psalm 10:18). Until that day, we act like the wise man who foresees danger and guards against it (Proverbs 22:3).Reviewed at: thebookgiraffe.wordpress.com.

This was exactly what I needed, I was so insecure and intimidated on the topic of body safety, struggling to find the words I looked for guidance and came across this book. I have never been more satisfied with a purchase. I love that it includes scripture and I love the illustrations. I am 💯 percent satisfied and have recommended this book to my friends.Thank you for writing this as a mother struggling for words this book gave words to my thoughts.

I appreciate the premise of the book. I agree with other reviewers that the parent info should not be included in the front of the book. I think an insert would have been more appropriate. I understand putting it in the front to ensure the adults read it, but if you’re buying the book you most likely already know this is an important topic.Furthermore, this book reads like a pamphlet. The illustrations are not to my taste, they are mostly shapes and text overlays- not art. We are a family of readers. I read hundreds of pictures books every year. This book is excellent, but it is not the type of book that begs to be read; perhaps it’s the subject matter.Tip: you can cover up the fact pages with scrapbook paper and washi tape. That way you don’t have to rip out the first kid page with bible verse.

Great conversation starter with our kids. They have enjoyed learning more about how God created them

The book: simply told, perfect for my little ones to understand and ask questions, such a great resource in teaching them about keeping their bodies safe, loving all of oneself without shame, and self-advocacy.The supplier (allbooks213): listed this book's condition as new... but it was NOT (see photo of previous owners' writings). Disappointed to have paid the price for a new book when I could've just paid for a used book...

I read this book to my 8yo, 5yo, and 2yo while holding the baby. It’s an easy-to-read book with perfectly appropriate illustrations. I had zero issues with the content, but I would not want my kids to read it independently in case they read the pages specifically for parents. I’d prefer the authors had a small booklet with the information for parents separate from the book so that I wouldn’t be concerned about my kids picking up the book to read on their own and reading the parent sections about preventing child abuse. I’m tempted to just tear those pages out so that I can confidently keep the book available for them to read any time.

I really like the idea of this book. It's well written and illustrated and helpful.But when shared with a family member, some things were pointed out that weren't covered by the book, and that I wouldn't have thought to be aware of. Author may not agree, but I think these are important points:1 There is no mention of inappropriate LOOKING, which is equally devastating to a child later on in their life and for the rest of their life.2 There is no clarification that inappropriate touching can be OVER clothing as well as UNDER - again, agonisingly destructive of a child who experiences this when they are little or are any age.3 There is plenty of talk about saying No and Telling, if someone makes a child feel uncomfortable. But a child of 4 or 5 or under does NOT feel uncomfortable because they don't understand that the other person is doing something wrong and it is not the fault of the child and they they MUST (not CAN) say No.I would still recommend the book because this is an important conversation to be having with children, but I think these points are additions that parents should be aware of. I wasn't, but sadly someone I know was.

I bought this book to teach my 3 year old daughter about her body before she went to nursery. Overall the book is excellent - the teaching content is exactly what I'd want to teach her, and the illustrations are very well done and engaging for children.The only really minor issues I have with the book are first, for younger children I found thst there were too many words. This is remedied by simply reading through the book on your own first and then knowing where to change certain words or shorten certain sections. But itst something to be aware of. The second issue, related to the first, is that the book does feature words like "penis" and "vagina". This is good for older kids, but for younger kids parents may not want to introduce those words yet. Again, this is remedied by simply skipping over this bit or just using different words you feel are more appropriate.This book is a must have for families. I know of no other resource that so clearly teaches children about God's design for their bodies and how they can look after it.

I've just started this sadly necessary conversation with my two small boys. This book contains advice for adults which I think will be helpful (although I don't agree with absolutely all of it), along with the part you read to children. Of course, it's an ongoing conversation, but this book has been a good way to start.

This book is worded exactly how I would want to word it myself. Great way to open the topic of private parts to protect our little ones.The only thing I would change is perhaps more realistic illustrations would be more relatable for young children.

This book is a great idea, don't get me wrong, and I love the picture book illustrations. However, there is too much text in my opinion and my five year old son (who is a bookworm) got bored and hasn't chosen it again. Could be done as a family project if you were willing to take a small amount each time, but personally I would have chosen to focus on fewer elements.