Very few things in this world get me as angry as when someone harms a child.

This morning as I watched the Rock Center interview with Jerry Sandusky I began screaming at my television. Here was a man that in all rights is still “innocent until proven guilty” admitting that he took showers with children, touched their legs and couldn’t come right out and say immediately that he wasn’t sexually attracted to boys.

I hadn’t commented on this whole Penn State scandal because I didn’t know all the facts. None of us do and that is what our court system is for. But, here was the accused admitting in my mind to wrong doing. Did he sexually abuse the kids? That we don’t know. But, in his own words he has admitted to very innapropriate behavior in my opinion.

Listen, it really boils down to the simple fact that we need to protect kids.

As a parent it is your responsibility to talk to your kids on a regular basis about what is right and wrong. They need to be reminded that if an adult in any way makes them feel uncomfortable that they need to tell you. They have to be reassured that they will never be at fault and that you will always be supportive.

I’ve had a few run ins with adults doing stupid things towards my kids. Nothing sexual, just dumb and inappropriate and each time I’ve brought it to the attention of the appropriate people. As a parent I have no problem letting everyone know when I feel someone has done something wrong towards my children. I’m the last person you want on your bad side if it involves my children. Just ask the few have been stupid enough to do so.

What worries me is that we see over and over again this happening. Men taking advantage of young kids. Over and over we see the kids years later talking about how it felt weird, but they didn’t see it as wrong at the time so they didn’t say anything. That worries me.

Please, if you are reading this, sit down with your kids tonight and talk about what is appropriate behavior for adults towards them. Openly discuss what is not allowed and what is wrong. Remind them that if it feels weird, strange or not quite right that they should tell you about it immediately and never be ashamed of it.

Kids are so vulnerable and have enough stress in their lives that they shouldn’t have to worry about teachers, coaches or any form of group leader harming them.

Listening to this scum of the earth Sandusky openly admitting to showering with kids that were not his and not seeing anything wrong with it filled me with deep seeded anger. It also reminded me how scared I am of the world we live in because he isn’t the only one out there that feels this way.

Hug your kids. Remind them that you love them and are there for them always. Stay active in their lives and constantly ask questions. An engaged parent is the best kind.

Priority #1 when you become a parent is that you need to protect your kids. Especially from people like this.