GOOD TOUCH BAD TOUCH

Have you talked to your child about the difference between good touch and bad touch?

One of the constant concerns as a parent is the safety of our children from the perverts of this world.  And once they start nursery, this concern doubles up.

So how do we protect them? What is the best age to teach them the difference between good touch and bad touch? In my opinion, one of the first steps to protect them is to create awareness in them about bad touch. This should be done around the time they start going to nursery.

Many may argue that they are too young to understand,  or why scare them at such a tender age? Or that the schools will have this talk so we don’t need to. I, too, had similar thoughts but one question made it easy for me to make the right decision. What if my child is already going through this but doesn’t realize it because I haven’t had the talk with them?

Take Decision to have the talk

If you have decided to go ahead with the talk but don’t know how to go about it, hey don’t worry. I got your back. I’ll guide you on how to effectively handle this.

How to approach your kid

Do your homework

First, search up some kids’ workshop videos on bad touch. Find the one you feel your child will understand. I found these videos perfect for my kids. The topic has been explained casually and effectively.

1. Aamir Khan in Satyamev Jayate (Hindi)
2. Dr. Bhooshan on TheGPSChannel (English)

Here are few things to keep in mind:

• The best time to broach this subject with your kids is when they are not distracted, hungry, tired, or sleepy. You want their full attention.
• Don’t be scared, nervous, awkward, or embarrassed while having this talk. Kids are smart. They will pick up on it and feel the same.
• Talk casually and show them any one of the videos (only the workshop part) you have chosen.
• After watching the video,  discuss with them what they understood and explain again in terms they understand.

Explain No-touch Parts of our Body

Some important points that you have to emphasize to your kids are:

• No one should touch the 3 parts of their body: chest,  bottom, and the part between the legs.  Only the parents and the doctor (if need be and in your presence)  are allowed.
• Also,  never let the bad person put your hands on their body.
• No one has permission to put their hands under your clothes.
• The bad person can be a stranger or someone we know very well.

Action to take

Teach them what they should do in case anyone tries to do any of the above. They should:

• Immediately step away and shout very loudly “No. Stop it!”
• Then run away quickly and go to an adult you trust and tell them about it.
• As soon as you meet your parents,  tell them everything.
• Don’t be scared to tell your parents everything. Parents are superheroes and will protect you.

This is the right time to ask your kids if anything like this has ever happened to them. If they are young and don’t completely understand what exactly is being discussed,  they might say something like you touched me or daddy touched me. Don’t laugh or roll your eyes. Explain to them why you or daddy had touched.  Then ask if anyone else has touched them.

Repeat the Excercise

Repeat this whole exercise every 5 to 6 months because they may forget as they grow older.  Another advantage will be that your kids will become comfortable talking about this with you. This is very important. 

Just because you have explained good touch and bad touch to your kids does not free you from your responsibility of keeping them safe. Notice any change in your kid’s behavior or if they are suddenly shy or avoid a particular relative. If you notice anything different,  sit them down when alone and ask them casually about it. DON’T IGNORE this sudden change. 

In part 2, let’s talk about how to react if your child tells you that someone has touched them wrongly. Click here to read part 2.

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