Noor Says NoHow do you help your child tell you anything?
Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.
By listening to small things every day, and by staying calm when it's something big. NCMEC says to get into the habit of sharing by listening regularly, and to react calmly even to upsetting news. Tell your child often: you can always tell me, and you won't be in trouble for telling.
Why is this so important?
CDC says many children wait to report child sexual abuse, or never report it. Nemours KidsHealth says kids and teens often have a hard time speaking up, and that they often feel embarrassed or ashamed. So you want telling to be an old habit before it's ever needed.
What can you do every day?
- Set aside a few minutes without a screen, at bedtime or in the car.
- Ask open questions: "What was the best part of today? And the worst?"
- Listen to the small stuff. It tells your child you'll also listen to the big stuff.
NCMEC's wording for your child: "You can always tell me about anything that makes you feel sad, scared or confused."
How do you react when it counts?
- Stay calm. NCMEC says to try to react calmly, even when a child shares upsetting news.
- Thank them. "I'm glad you told me."
- Don't punish the telling. Don't take away the tablet because they showed you something.
- Do something, and say what you'll do next.
Who else can your child tell?
Make a list together. KidsHealth says a child can tell a parent, grandparent or caregiver. The book has a page called My Trusted Hand: five people your child can always tell. It adds: if they don't listen, tell the next one, until someone helps.
What if your child doesn't talk much?
That's fine. Some children talk while doing something, like drawing or driving. Stay available. Read what to do if your child tells you about abuse.
Frequently asked questions
What if I react badly once?
You can repair it. Go back and say: "I got upset, and that wasn't about you. I'm glad you told me." Children notice the repair.
Should I check my child's stories with others?
If it's about safety, get help instead of investigating. Stop It Now says to involve professionals rather than asking your child repeatedly.
Keep reading
- Good secrets and bad secrets: how do you explain the difference?
- Tattling or telling: how do you explain the difference?
- What do you do if your child tells you about abuse?
All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe? A guide for parents. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.
Sources
Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Tips for Parents: Safety Scenarios (PDF).
- CDC: About Child Sexual Abuse.
- Nemours KidsHealth: Child Abuse.
- Nemours KidsHealth: Helping Kids Deal With Bullies.
- Stop It Now: What should I do after a child discloses sexual abuse?.
This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.
