Its Okay to Say Ouch

Grace is a second grade student who experiences abuse on a regular basis. Grace needs to find a way to overcome her circumstances. She knows that what is happening to her is not right. However, she does not know what steps to take in order to get it to stop. One day, Grace's teacher, Ms. Owens decided to teach a lesson about "Safe People". This lesson on "Safe People" is just what grace needed to gain the courage to say "OUCH", to get the protection she needs, and to finally get the joy that she so deserves. We can all teach our children that It's Okay To Say OUCH! Emotional illustrations compliment the text thus making this reading one that anyone can sympathize or empathize with.   The silent epidemic we know as child abuse affects 1 in four girls and 1 in six boys. Most children who are being abused are underrepresented because they simply will not speak of the abuse. The challenges, risk factors, and the prolonged adverse effects that these children face are insurmountable. The death rates as a result of child abuse are alarming. This reading was created to bring light, hope, and love in a way that would improve conditions that affected the mental health as well as the overall well- being of our youth. The benefit of reading Its Okay To Say Ouch is that it gives us a kid- friendly space for dialogue where we can discuss an uncomfortable topic comfortably. Ultimately, it gives us an opportunity to participate in a movement to save our children while meeting their emotional, mental, spiritual, and educational needs.                                                           It is our duty to be a voice for the voiceless!