In today’s time, news on child abuse, kidnaps, molestation, etc., is prevalent and a matter of concern. As a parent to a young child, we all want to keep your child safe and protected. Accordingly, it’s essential to empower the children with the proper knowledge about good touch and bad touch before it’s too late.
It is imperative to create opportunities to talk to the children and discuss what a good touch is and what is not. Even though we may think that our child is too young to understand the difference between the good and bad touch and other such topics, but they are not, you can talk about these subjects with ease, so that they learn about them from an early age without getting scared. Being one of the Best Schools in Tricity, we prepared this blog to educate children about the difference between good and bad touch.
TALK ABOUT GOOD TOUCH AND BAD TOUCH
Kids should be told about various kinds of touches. For example, good touch feels caring, like a pat on the head, back or a bear hug. In comparison, a bad touch can hurt your body or feelings, such as pinching, hitting, or touching any private area. Children should know that it’s ok to say no if they don’t like any touch, even from a friend or a family member.
TEACH THE SWIMSUIT RULE
This is a simple rule when teaching young children about bad touch. Child should be explained that the parts covered by a swimming outfit or undergarments are private parts, and anyone except them should not touch or see. This way, they can understand if inappropriately touched. However, they should immediately inform if they feel uncomfortable by anyone’s touch.
DON’T BE SHY
Topics might be sensitive but important to discuss.
TEACH THEM THE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR BODY
Empower them to voice up and say NO. Inculcate in them the right to be the boss of their own body. Child should be taught to deny a handshake, a hug, or any physical touch if they don’t like it. Also, they should be taught not to allow anybody to click their pictures without permission.
STICK TO THE TERMINOLOGY
Parents sometimes use nicknames for sexual terms, which is inappropriate. Employing the appropriate terms for the body parts, such as the vagina, penis, and so on, makes these parts feel important. The right words will also be helpful for your child to express themselves accurately concerning their body.
TEACH THEM TO FIGHT BACK
Parents keep teaching their children to be soft, well-mannered, and polite around strangers, at the same time children should also be taught to shout for help when stuck in any uncomfortable situation. Parents should never leave their children alone while visiting an unknown place. They should always be in a safe company.
DON’T FORCE ANY KIND OF TOUCH
Parents should ask their child before they hug or kiss them. Child should know, that they have control over their body and no one has the right to touch it without their permission. Kids can be uncomfortable at different times for different reasons, so they should not be forced to use their bodies in a way they don’t wish to. For example, instead of saying, go give a hug to your Aunt Jeffery, say give a handshake or a fist bump.
CHILD SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO TRUST THEIR DECISION
Child should not feel guilty if they refuse affection from anyone for any reason. Daughters should be educated that their feelings and decisions are paramount when it comes to their own physical space. This will help them to trust her emotions with clarity.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Parents can see a developmental shift in the conversation about body safety as the children grow up, are exposed to media and peers, and begin to understand more about their bodies and sexuality. So it is important to review these points frequently and welcome questions on sexuality.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Parents have the responsibility to teach the kids to differentiate between good and bad things in the world. If symptoms such as doing poorly in school, looking dull or uninterested, bed wetting & thumb sucking suddenly, or any behavioural change in kid are found, then parents should talk with them. Parents should Keep calm and listen to their child. Parents as well as their teachers should encourage the kids to confide in them if threatened by anyone without any fear.
MUDITA SHANKAR
PRT
KUNDAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL