How to teach kids about good touch and bad touch

In today scenario when we all heard about the child abuse case everywhere it become very important to teach kids about good and bad touch.  Studies shows that about one in five children falls victim to sexual violence, including sexual abuse so as being a parent it become our responsibility to save our child to fall in this terrifying situation.  Its good if teach our kids the difference between good and bad touch in early ages as it is easy to talk with them at this age and they also become more aware about these kinds of situations.

Now days many workshops are going to be conducted by schools and NGOs on this topic but I guess it’s always good that parents should teach their kids about good touch bad touch. As parents we need to speak to our children about this issue urgently. Do not hesitate to speak to your child about sexual abuse and later about sex as it will protect them and keep your child safe from any trouble. 

First of all it’s very necessary to teach kids the correct names of all their different body parts, including their private body parts so that they can tell you clearly about their situation and also helps them know that it is okay to talk about those body parts. Tell them that the parts of their bodies covered by a swimsuit are their private body parts which make them easy to understand.

Secondly tell your kids that their body belongs to them only and no one can touch their body especially their private parts without their permission and they are in control of who touches their bodies and how.  Teach your kids How to say NO, they have the right to refuse a kiss or a touch if they feel uncomfortable, even from a person they love.  

How to teach kids difference between good touch and bad touch

Now when your kids got confident about their body parts and learn how to say no to unwanted touch then it’s time to tell them the difference between good touch and bad touch. It’s often difficult for kids to recognize good and bad touch, tell them it’s bad if someone looks at or touches their private parts or asks them do to the same. I found very good underwear rule at http://www.underwearrule.org/ which make it easy to start discussion with children according to that rule “a child should not be touched by others on parts of the body usually covered by their underwear”. And they should not touch others in those areas. Also tell your kids that if they ever find the situation difficult to handle or unbearable then kids should ask a trusted adult for help.

Good Touch feels good like you feel good when you got kissed or hugged by your mother or by the people you love.

Bad touch makes you feel uncomfortable. Never thought that there is something wrong or bad in you but it’s the person whoever gives you a bad touch is the one who is bad, not you. It is a bad touch if you feel uneasy with it or if a person forces you to touch him or her especially their private parts.

The weapon used by sex abuser to threaten the kids is to keep all the things secret otherwise he or she will harm the family of victim or people will thought wrong about them. Tell your kids that any secret which make them unhappy, sad or uncomfortable is bad and they must have to share it with any trustworthy adult like their parent, teacher or any other.

Be friend of your child

It’s very necessary for a kid that he or she can share each and everything with his parents and for that you have to be their friend whom they can tell each and every thing. When children are abused they feel shame, guilt and fear like they have done something wrong then it’s your turn to console them and tell that there is nothing wrong or bad in them. Always keep check on your kid’s behavior if you find something different in them like they are losing their interests in communicate with others, playing with friends and toys or any other sign like sadness, fear then you must have to talk with them about their problem. Communication is very must keep check on their day to day activity and if something find unusual then talk with them about that.

When you find the child has been abused then keep clam and do not make your child feel as if they have done something wrong. Always take strong actions on their complaints instead of ignoring it to tell them to keep silent. You can also take the help of some professional like a psychologist, child care specialist, doctor, social worker or the police.

In case of any emergence or need you can call Child Helpline Number India - 1098 is the India's first 24 hours helpline for children in need of aid and assistance. You can also visit at http://www.childlineindia.org.in/ for more information or query.