Teach Your Child Good Touch, Bad Touch: A Parent’s Guide to Safety
At kradle 2 krayons, we believe in giving children a strong foundation of knowledge that helps them grow and flourish like a tree with branches extending in every direction like mentally challenging activities, physical activities, art, culture, science, and more. We nurture every aspect of their development to help them thrive. One of the most important lessons we can teach is about personal safety, including the difference between good touch and bad touch.
Importance of Teaching Good Touch and Bad Touch
As Reported in 2021, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 1 out of 6 girls and 1 out of 9 boys go through some kind of sexual abuse before they turn 15. Also, a survey done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that about 1.6 million Australians have been through child abuse, and 65% of these cases involved sexual abuse. These numbers show how important it is to teach kids early about their rights and how to keep themselves safe.
It’s important to teach kids about good touch and bad touch early on so they understand personal boundaries and know how to protect themselves. When children learn that they are in control of their bodies, they feel more confident and safe.
By understanding the difference between touches that feel comfortable and those that don’t feel comfortable, kids can learn to develop boundaries when something doesn’t feel right. This knowledge helps them speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable, which can prevent bad situations from happening. Teaching these concepts early helps children feel secure and supported, knowing that they can always talk to trusted adults if something makes them feel uneasy.
What is Good Touch?
Good touch is physical contact that makes you feel safe, happy, and comfortable. These are touches that happen every day to show love and care respectfully.
Some examples of good touch include:
- Hugs from family or close friends.
- High-fives and handshakes.
- Being helped by a trusted adult when you’re hurt or need help.
Good touches make you feel loved and supported. They are done with care and respect, and they should never make you feel uncomfortable.
What is Bad Touch?
Bad touch is physical contact that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. Kids need to trust their feelings—if someone touches them in a way that feels wrong, it probably is.
Some examples of bad touch include:
- Touching private body parts that are normally covered by underwear.
- Forcing hugs, kisses, or other physical affection when you don’t want it.
- Any touch that causes pain or discomfort.
Kids should know that they have the right to say “no” to any touch that makes them feel uneasy, even if it’s from someone they know.
Parents Guide to Introduce Good Touch and Bad Touch Concepts to Children
- Tips for Age-Appropriate Conversations:
- Start Early: Start a discussion about personal safety and boundaries with young children in simple terms. Use age-appropriate language and examples that they can understand easily.
- Use Stories and Books: Children’s books about personal safety can help illustrate the concepts of good and bad touch in a relatable way. Stories can make the discussion more engaging and less serious.
- Be Calm and Reassuring: Approach the conversation calmly to help the child feel safe and secure. Let them know that, it’s okay to ask questions and express their feelings.
- Importance of Using Clear, Simple Language:
- Be Clear and Direct: Use straightforward language that a child can easily grasp. Explain that “good touches” are those that make them feel happy and safe, while “bad touches” are those that make them feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or scared.
- Avoid Ambiguity: Describe specific examples and feelings associated with each type of touch. This clarity helps children understand exactly what you mean.
- Repeat and Reinforce: Regularly revise the topic using the same simple language to strengthen their understanding. Repetition can help solidify their knowledge they remember what they’ve learned.
- Use Role-Playing Scenarios to Reinforce Understanding:
- Create Safe Scenarios: Set up simple role-playing scenarios where you act out different types of touch with the child. For instance, pretend to give a hug and then ask if the child is comfortable or if they would prefer a high-five instead.
- Practice Responses: Teach children how to respond to unwanted touch. Role-play saying “no” or “stop” in a confident voice and practice what to do if someone continues to make them uncomfortable.
- Discuss Feelings: After each role-playing scenario, discuss how the child felt during the activity. Ask them if they felt safe or uncomfortable and talk about why they felt that way.
Role-playing helps children practice their responses and gain confidence in expressing their boundaries. By making the learning process interactive and supportive, you reinforce their understanding and empower them to protect themselves in real-life situations.
Encourage Open Discussion
- Creating a Trusting Environment:
It’s important for kids to feel easy and comfortable talking about anything that’s bothering them. When kids know they can talk to you without being judged or punished, they’re more likely to share their feelings and concerns.
- Listening and Responding Supportively:
Parents must pay attention to their kids when they talk or share anything. Show them that you care by nodding, making eye contact, and responding with understanding. If they’re upset or worried, reassure them that their feelings are valid and that you are there to help. Negative reactions to their upset can lead them to not come to you when they are feeling sad.
By helping children understand boundaries and giving them the confidence to speak up, we create an environment where kids feel safe, respected, and empowered. At Kradle 2 Krayons, a Pendle Hill childcare, We prepare kids with the knowledge to recognize and respond to uncomfortable situations.
Teaching kids about good and bad touch helps keep them safe and gives them the confidence to set their boundaries. When you create a trusting relationship, your child will feel secure and supported in any situation. Keep talking about these topics regularly, reminding them that their body is their own and they always have the right to say “no” if something doesn’t feel right.