As parents, we must teach our children critical lessons to keep them safe. In recent years, there has been a spike in the number of child predators. This rise has made it crucial for children to understand the difference between good and bad touch.
Knowing about body safety could help them recognize and alert you or other trustworthy adults about unsafe scenarios. Although this conversation appears tough, it is essential to learn how to talk to your child about sexual abuse. This article is here to help you teach your kids about good and bad touch.
Understanding the Basics
The first thing to do is to teach them what these terms mean. For example:
- Good Touch: They are touches that are done for caring, affectionate, or necessary reasons. Explain how this could include hugs from family or friends, checkups, and handshakes. You could use a scenario as an example to help your child understand.
- Bad Touch: Children might not fully comprehend the extent of a person’s malicious intent. It is necessary to encourage children to trust their gut. If a person makes them feel scared or uncomfortable, tell them to inform you or another trusted adult immediately.
Let them know that even if it is a person that they see, they need to inform you.
Using Age-Appropriate Language and Resources
Give a clear, concise, and simple explanation to your children. Overly complicated or overlapping statements could leave the children even more confused. Try out different methods to inform and refresh these concepts for your child. Using communication styles that work well for them will increase the chances of grabbing their attention and retaining the information for a long time.
You can try out methods such as:
- Explaining by using everyday examples
- Informative books or videos
- Role-playing games
Teach children about the concept of ‘private parts.’ This will help them better understand the concept. Inform them that, aside from hygiene or medical reasons, no one is allowed to touch their private parts.
Teaching Bodily Autonomy and Consent
Children must be aware of their bodily autonomy and the concept of consent. This needs to be put in place very early in their life. Friends and family might push them to give hugs and kisses out of love. Pushing your kid to comply might damage your child’s sense of autonomy and consent.
Even though others might feel bad, we must teach and respect our child’s autonomy as parents. Encourage them to say ‘no’ when they feel uncomfortable or don’t want to have physical contact with another person.
Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication
Children often hide things from their parents. This can be due to fear of punishment, scolding, or silencing. You must ensure your child feels safe around you and does not hesitate to come to you.
Teach your kids never to be afraid to come to you and speak up if a situation makes them scared or uncomfortable. This can be reinforced if they understand that you have their back no matter what.
What to Do If a Child Reports Something
If your child reports a situation where they felt uncomfortable or violated, remain calm. If you burst out angry and emotional, it is likely to increase stress and fear in your child. Sit your child down, hear them out, and reassure them that they did the right thing by coming to you.
Listening to their side of the story can help you better assess the situation and take appropriate action against it. Do not dismiss your child’s concerns; assure them that though the situation is wrong, they aren’t. Once you have consoled your child, it is ideal that you report the incident to the right authorities.
