Good Touch And Bad Touch: Some Ways To Educate Your Child

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, you 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 you may think that your 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. This blog will help you educate your children about the difference between good and bad touch. 

Talk about good touch and bad touch

Tell your kids 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. Let children know that it’s ok to say no if you 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. Explain to your child 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 and raise their voice. However, insist they inform you if they feel uncomfortable by anyone’s touch. 

Don’t be shy

Being expressive regarding sexual matters is crucial, and though these topics might be sensitive to discuss, you are where your child gets their signs from. Explain them in an engaging way with examples of incidents that happened before.

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. They have the choice to deny a handshake, a hug, or any physical touch if they don’t like it. Also, tell them 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. Instead, teach them to talk or retaliate when they don’t find anything right. Ask them to shout for help when stuck in any uncomfortable situation. Make sure your child is not alone while visiting an unknown place and is in good company who you trust wholeheartedly.

Don’t force any kind of touch

Ask your child before you hug or kiss them. Let them 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 don’t force them 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. 

Teach your child to trust their decision

Your child should not feel guilty if they refuse affection from anyone for any reason. Educate your daughter that her feelings and decisions are paramount when it comes to her own physical space. This will help her 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 you find symptoms such as doing poorly in school, looking dull or uninterested, bed wetting & thumb sucking suddenly, or any behavioral change in your kid, then talk with them. Keep calm and listen to your child.

Also read – 7 Tips to Build Self-Esteem in Your Child