Teaching children body safety might just be the most important way to protect them from harm – in so many ways.
And while many of us hate the idea of somehow ruining our children’s innocence by having to have these talks with them, the reality is that the earlier we have these conversations – in a child-friendly, non-scary way – the more protected our children will be from any type of abuse, both as young children, but also as they get older.
Taking to Instagram, child safety educator Mandi Pagliarini shared the following advice for parents on the body safety rules all children should know – and sooner rather than later.
Captioning her post, Pagliarini says:
‘Parents wait and wait for the “right” time to have these talks.’
She adds:
‘They fear scaring their kids or robbing them of their innocence. But these points are not fear-based, they are factual and age appropriate.’
In the first slide, the child safety expert informs parents:
‘You child is ready for these talks as soon as they know the difference between their elbow and their knee.’
She also shares some advice for parents on how to approach these talks with kids:
‘Strive for a very casual, relaxed tone. This is not one, big talk. These are little talks, repeated frequently, similarly to how we may talk about manners.’
She also gives parents a handy tip about when is a good time to have these talks.
‘Bath time is often a great time and setting to start.’
Body safety rules to teach young children
1. The proper names for their private areas
No nicknames, Pagliarini reminds parents.
‘Call the part what they are.’
2. No one should touch or ask you to touch private areas
The child safety educator tells parents that they should explain the following to their kids:
‘Sometimes I might have to help you clean your private area, but no-one should ever play or tickle you there.’
She also shares that if your child is in daycare or cared for by a nanny, you should explain that it is OK for someone to clean with a wipe or toilet paper, but that no-one should ever have their hands or fingers there otherwise.
3. No-one should look at your private parts or show you theirs
Another thing you should talk to your kids about, Pagliarini says, is who can see your private parts.
‘The only person who will ever need to check your private part is your doctor. And even he or she will only ever do it if mum or dad is there with you.’
4. The difference between a secret and a surprise
The body safety expert says children should be taught the difference between a surprise – something that will be revealed soon and that is happy news – and a secret – something you are never suppose to share.
‘No-one should ever tell you to keep a secret from your parents,’ she says we need to remind our kids.
5. If any of these things ever do happen
Most importantly, Pagliarini says, we need to let our kids know that if any of these things – or anything else for that matter happens that does not feel right, that they need to share this with us straight away. And that by sharing what has happened, they are doing the right thing and will not get into trouble.
‘Always use the word ‘share’ rather than ‘tell,’ she reminds parents.
‘As kids associate consequences with the word ‘tell.’
