Child grooming is a serious issue and much more common than most dads realize. About 90% of victims are groomed by someone they know. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how to protect your kids from child grooming. 

Why This Matters

Grooming can feel like an “it will never happen to me” thing, but it’s much more common than most dads know.

Key Takeaways
-Grooming happens primarily online: According to the Child Crime Prevention and Safety Center, there are an estimated 500,000 predators online every day.

-Groomers play the long game: Predators often invest years in grooming victims.

-Groomers use tools: The most common are online anonymity, establishing trust, pushing isolation, and finding leverage. They then attempt to push physical boundaries.

Signs of Grooming Dads Should Know

1. LOOK FOR when your child receives a lot of attention from a person.
2. LOOK FOR when your child becomes isolated.
3. LOOK FOR when your child exhibits unusual behavior.
4. LOOK FOR when your child becomes more desensitized to crude humor and content.
5. LOOK FOR when your child has an aversion to a certain person.

What Should You Do If You See Signs of Grooming?

Do not let your child be alone with the person. Your child’s safety is your number one priority. Talk to your child about what is appropriate and not appropriate in terms of touching, jokes, and conversation. Ask your kids if they have experienced inappropriate behavior from an adult. Assure them that they will not be in trouble. If a line has been crossed, report it to the proper authorities.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 01:09 | What Is Grooming? A Clear Definition for Parents
The dads define grooming as a long-term process predators use to build trust and lower boundaries with children.

01:09 – 02:46 | The Larry Nassar Case and Why It Still Matters to Dads
A heartbreaking example shows how trusted professionals can exploit access, authority, and silence.

02:46 – 04:44 | Grooming Doesn’t Look Like a Stranger in a Van
The episode challenges the myth that danger only comes from obvious strangers, not familiar adults.

04:44 – 05:08 | Why Parents Avoid This Topic
Dads are urged not to tune out just because the subject is uncomfortable or frightening.

05:08 – 10:39 | Online Grooming and the Danger of Anonymity
Anonymous usernames, private chats, and social platforms give predators unprecedented access to kids.

10:39 – 12:21 | To Catch a Predator Was Just the Beginning
The hosts explain how much easier grooming is today compared to the pre-social-media era.

12:21 – 15:14 | Real-Life Grooming Stories from Trusted Adults
Bobby shares his wife’s experiences with coaches and authority figures who crossed subtle but serious lines.

15:14 – 16:36 | Isolation Is the Biggest Red Flag
Predators often isolate kids one-on-one, making isolation a major warning sign parents must teach.

16:36 – 17:57 | Behavioral Changes That Signal Possible Grooming
Mood shifts, bedwetting, and sudden comfort with sexual language can all indicate something is wrong.

17:57 – End | Teaching Kids Boundaries, Consent, and Trusting Their Instincts
The episode closes by encouraging dads to empower kids to say no, speak up, and trust their “gut.”

APD Pro Move:
Talk to your kids about these tactics so they know what’s appropriate and what’s not.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.