Why is it Necessary to Teach Your Child How to "Touch"?
We live in a world where pedophiles exist and coexist as one with us, which is a sobering fact. They are known to prey on children to satisfy their sexual needs. A young child is innocent and lacks the ability to distinguish between good and bad.
Every instance of child sexual abuse starts with a touch that either the child misses or the parents are unaware of or refuse to recognise. You may prevent your child from being sexually molested by teaching them the difference between a good touch and a bad touch.
Now, this could be a difficult subject to bring up, especially with infants or younger children. However, children must be aware of their bodies, can tell when someone is touching them improperly and can distinguish between the two.
So how do you go about teaching your kid the distinction between a good touch and a bad touch?
You're all set with this article!
9 Easy Ways to Teach Your Child Good and Bad Touch
Gender, education, social standing, or family circumstances do not provide any protection from sexual abuse. Can we stop this, though? Yes. And teaching a child about touch is where it all starts.
1. Let them know they can talk about anything with you
Starting at a very young age, developing a trusting relationship with your child is crucial. If they want to confide in you and share anything with you, you must reassure them that you are there for them, that you believe them, and that you will do so.
2. Teach your child about body parts early
It is never too early to teach your child about sex, at least in the fundamentals. Teaching your child about private body parts that others shouldn't touch is the first step in this educational process.
3. Inform them that their body belongs to them
Grant them control over their bodies. It entails informing kids from an early age that their bodies belong to them and them alone. Giving them the option to decline a hug, kiss, or pat on the back, even if they find it uncomfortable, is another aspect of this.
4. Speak with proper terms
Use the appropriate vocabulary and terms to describe their body to them. Let them know that there is nothing unclean or undesirable about their bodies and that a female body differs from a male body.
5. Follow the “Swimsuit Rule”
The swimwear rule of teaching is the simplest technique to help your child learn the difference between a good and bad touch. Inform them that anyone may not touch you in the areas enclosed by a swimsuit. Additionally, remind children that they must inform you of any instances in which an adult has attempted to touch them in these areas.
6. Inform them about safe touch
Help children to understand what a "safe touch" is. When a child's mother, father, or doctor touches them, they only do it to make sure their bodies are secure and to check them out during a regular checkup. This is a secure move. They can only be touched by these three people and cannot be asked to remove their clothing for scrutiny.
7. Remind them that they can and must say "No."
You must teach your child that they have every right to resist unwanted touching and to command it to stop by saying a firm "No" or "Stop." Reassure children that there is no guilt in requesting an adult to intervene or in calling them out clearly. Children should understand that yelling and drawing attention to themselves can put them in a safe place and their abuser in an awkward one.
8. Assist them in realising they are not at fault
It is important that child distinguishes between right and wrong behaviour and does not hold themselves accountable for the wrongdoings of others. They need to know that the person who touches them improperly is to blame and that they shouldn't carry any guilt-related thoughts or sentiments.
9. Avoid pressuring the child to show affection
Never try to make your child feel loved against their will. Whether it is yours or someone else's, only if your child appreciates it and is at ease with it should you encourage a warm hug from a relative or a kiss from a friend.
Appropriate age to teach good touch and bad touch
Unfortunately, there is no minimum threshold for how much a paedophile can harm a child sexually. It is crucial that parents start teaching their children about touch at an early age because of this.
Now that they appear to trust everyone around them, two or three-year-olds may be asking how you may describe a good or safe touch to them. Yes, this is quite challenging!
How should we teach touch?
We often refer to things in general terms when talking to children as good or terrible simply because they are easier to say. Take every chance to instruct kids about appropriate and inappropriate touch. Possible approaches include:
1. Bath time
As you play with them as usual while bathing your infant or drying them off after a bath, remind them that it is improper for anyone to touch their private parts.
2. Playtime
When you play with them physically, hold them softly and gradually apply more pressure while warning them that this kind of touching is inappropriate. It is inappropriate to touch someone if it upsets them, makes them angry, or if they don't like the touch.
3. Changing time
Even if it's just you and your child at home, shut the door when you help them change clothing.
Inform your child that no one should see them get dressed or see them unclothed. Explain that some people can observe or assist you when changing, but not others. If you live with other family members, you can also include other trusted elders.
Conclusion
It is crucial that parents start teaching their children about touch at an early age. Take every chance to instruct kids about appropriate and inappropriate touch in every aspect of their daily lives so that they will grow up happy and healthy!
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