Bahamas News
Talking about Sex with your Children in a highly sexualized age, what you should know!
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, November 2, 2022 – The Birds and the Bees: the potentially awkward but necessary conversation between parents and children that introduces them to sexual education and sexual safety. It is a must for all parents and children but many adults may not know how to go about it. Raising Children, a childcare website funded by the Government of Australia, says young children are naturally curious and may want to know about their bodies and where babies come from.
The advice?
- Explain things at a level children understand and make sure they have the facts.
- Early conversations about sex can send the message that sex and sexuality are healthy parts of life.
In addition parents should teach young children about their personal space and how to protect it. Explain to young children that no one should touch them without their permission, this includes hugs, unwanted kisses on the cheeks, tickles etc.
Allowing your toddlers and young children to set boundaries regarding simple touches like these and supporting them in their decisions will make them more likely to understand the difference between good touches and bad ones.
It will also make them more likely to be vocal if they experience something that makes them uncomfortable.
For teens and preteens on the other hand, interest in sex is normal according to the US Centres for Disease Control. The number one rule is not to hide the reality of sex or associate it with shame.
The CDC says in surveys carried out with teens, the youngsters reported that their parents are the ones who have the greatest influence over their decisions about sex “more than friends, siblings, or the media.”
In addition, most of the young respondents said, “they share their parents’ values about sex, and making decisions about delaying sex would be easier if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents.”
The agency encourages parents to:
- identify unique opportunities to have what may be awkward conversations with your teen in places like the car
where they can hear what you have to say without making eye contact. - Have frequent conversation and avoid overreacting when your children confide in you.
- Importantly, parents should set ground rules, speak to your teens about your own expectations for them when it comes to sex.
In addition, parents should see their children as complete and whole individuals who can be hurt or put off by their attitude and communication skills.
Try not to punish your child for confiding in you as this may be a deterrent in the future, reiterate that they are loved, cared for and trusted.
Do not ever brush off reports of assault from your child.
Finally there are several signs to look out for in teens and children if you suspect they may have experienced or are experiencing sexual, harassment assault or rape.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) says It’s not always easy to spot signs of sexual assault in children that, parents caregivers, doctors, teachers, pastors, sisters, brothers and friends are advised to look out for,
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Signs of trauma on or around the genitalia
- Keeping secrets are not talking as much as usual
- Suddenly being afraid to be separated from parents or primary caregivers
- Reappearance of behaviors like bed wetting or thumb sucking
- Sexual behavior inappropriate for the child’s age
- Trying to avoid removing clothing
- Increased aggression
- Self-harm
- Excessive worry or fearfulness
In addition to those signs, the organization says there are indicators of who can are those potential perpetrators or threats to your children. Keep a keen eye on adults who, try to be a child’s friend rather than playing an adult role in their life or grown-ups who spend time alone with children outside of their role in the child’s life or makes up excuses to be alone with the child.
Also a red flag, adults who express unusual interest in child’s sexual development, such as commenting on sexual characteristics or sexualizing normal behaviors:
A warning sign too is adults who give a child gifts without occasion or reason; spend a lot of time with your child or another child you know and restricts a child’s access to other adults.
Advice from professionals for individuals who may suspect children are being abused is to trust your gut and get professionals involved.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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