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Mom comes out to her 7-year-old as a sexual assault survivor. The discomfort was worth it.

Sometimes speaking our truth can help history from repeating itself.

sa, sexual assault
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Almost all the important conversations are uncomfortable

Sarah Shanley Hope's story is frighteningly common.

As a kid, she went over to her neighbor's house one day to play with her best friend. While there, her friend's older brother sexually assaulted both of them.

Hope was only 6 years old.


Being so young, she didn't know how to verbalize what happened or how to process it. She carried the pain with her for years, until she had daughters of her own.

two women hugging each otherPhoto by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash

She told her own girls from the beginning, "You're in charge of your body." But at times, the message seemed to ring hollow.

Mostly, Hope recalls her older daughter, now 8, rolling her eyes, having heard the refrain so many times before: "There goes mom being overprotective, again."

But one day Hope got a call from school. A boy in the class had been caught inappropriately touching some of the girls. Her own daughter had even had a run-in with him.

"He kept hanging on me even after I said 'stop'! It was so annoying," Hope recalls her daughter saying.

Hope decided that, finally, it was time to tell her daughter her own story — her own "Me Too" moment.

"I finally said, honey, the reason I'm paying such close attention to this is that mommy had an experience when I was a kid, where someone did something to my body that wasn't OK."

"I don’t want you to feel badly inside like I did," she continued, according to her impassioned post on Medium. "I want you to know that we can always talk about the hard and confusing stuff.”

An uncomfortable but, sadly, necessary conversation. You can watch what happens next in the video below:

Why She Told Her 7-Year-Old Daughter About Her Own MeToo Story?

7 might seem like a very young age to tackle such a weighty conversation. But it might be necessary even earlier than that.

The National Center for Victims of Crime estimates that 20% of women (and 5-10% of men) recall an incident of sexual abuse as a child, with kids between 7 and 13 being the most vulnerable.

Those are horrifying statistics for any parent, so horrifying that we might wish we could be with our kids every second of the day to protect them from the horrors of the world. But we can't.

The best we can do is make sure they are aware of the danger and armed with knowledge about what to do if they need help. That includes direct talks — like the ones Hope has had with her kids — and modeling proper boundaries in our own lives.

In Hope's case, sharing her story has triggered a wave of positive change in her own community. She says several of her parent friends have called her recently for advice about how to have these conversations with their kids of all ages. And that's definitely something we need more of.

"We can’t undo the harm," Hope writes. "What we can do is choose discomfort over hiding from the pain — or worse, repeating it."

This story originally appeared on 01.26.18

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The overview effect makes man’s squabbles with one another seem incredibly petty and presents the planet as it truly is, one interconnected organism.

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Expand your living space with these ingenious furniture solutions for modern homes

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This company is not just about furniture; it's about reinventing your home's potential, regardless of size. In this feature, we're diving into a trio of their ingenious creations – each designed to unfold new possibilities in your living space.

From multifunctional tables to sofas that do more than just sit there, prepare to be amazed by solutions that are as smart and adaptable as your lifestyle demands. Let’s unfold how Expand Furniture turns the concept of 'less is more' into a living reality.

The Junior Giant Table

Imagine a sleek console table, quietly sitting in your cozy studio apartment, that magically transforms into a grand dining table fit for a family feast. This isn't a scene from a futuristic movie—it's the Junior Giant Table from Expand Furniture.

At first glance, it's a compact, stylish console, but with a few simple adjustments, it becomes a spacious table that can comfortably seat up to 12 people. Perfect for those impromptu dinner parties or family gatherings in small spaces.

The genius of the Junior Giant lies in its five extension leaves, each seamlessly connecting with built-in magnets, expanding your dining space without the hassle. Whether you're hosting a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering, this table adapts to your needs, proving that your living space's size doesn't limit your hospitality.

This table isn't just about saving space; it's about expanding possibilities, turning every meal into an event and every home into a haven of functionality and style.

MurphySofa Migliore: 2 Seat Sofa in Fabric

Nestled comfortably in the corner of your urban oasis is the MurphySofa Migliore, a two-seater that's more than just a cozy spot to unwind. It's a masterclass in design, blending functionality with a flair for the modern. With its sleek lines and plush fabric, this sofa is a statement piece that doesn't scream for attention but effortlessly commands it.

But here's the real magic: the MurphySofa Migliore is a perfect companion to Murphy beds, making it a space-saving superhero. Imagine transforming your living room into a bedroom without the usual furniture shuffle. This sofa gracefully slides or folds away, harmonizing with the Murphy bed to optimize your space without compromising style or comfort.

And comfort? It's in every stitch and cushion. Whether you're lounging with a good book or entertaining friends, the Migliore offers a luxurious seating experience. It's not just a sofa; it's a haven in your home.

In a world where every square inch counts, the MurphySofa Migliore isn't just furniture—it's a lifestyle upgrade.

Compatto – Wall Bed Revolving Bookcase Table

Step into a world where a bookcase spins into a bed, and a table emerges like a scene from a modern-day fairy tale. This isn't just clever design; it's the Compatto – Wall Bed Revolving Bookcase Table from Expand Furniture, a triumph of multifunctionality in interior design.

The Compatto is an alchemist in the furniture world, seamlessly transitioning from a chic bookcase to a cozy bed to a functional table. This ingenious piece doesn't just save space; it redefines it. Your books and cherished keepsakes have a stylish home on their shelves, and when the night falls, a comfortable bed folds down, welcoming a restful sleep. In the morning, it transforms again, offering a table space for your coffee or laptop.

What truly sets the Compatto apart is its ease of transformation. With a simple turn or pull, your living area becomes a bedroom or a study without the clutter or cramp. It's not just furniture; it's a space revolution.

In the heart of our urban jungles, the Compatto isn't just a piece of furniture; it's a beacon of intelligent living, proving that there's enormous potential for beauty and functionality in small spaces.

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Expand Furniture’s innovative designs are more than just furniture; they're a lifestyle revolution for the space-savvy. The Junior Giant Table, MurphySofa Migliore, and Compatto Wall Bed perfectly blend functionality, style, and smart space management. Imagine your home's possibilities: spaces that adapt, furniture that transforms, and rooms that invite both comfort and versatility. Ready to redefine your living space? Visit Expand Furniture’s website to explore these wonders and more and take the first step towards a home that's as dynamic as your life.

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NSYNC's Joey Fatone advocates for men being candid about cosmetic changes

"A lot of men are very shy or embarrassed about it, but there's nothing to be embarrassed about!"

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NSYNC member Joey Fatone opened up about his previous cosmetic procedures

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Psychologist explains why everyone feels exhausted right now and it makes so much sense

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Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

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An old male bald eagle who adopted a rock as an egg has just been given a real foster baby

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