By Tess Rowley
It’s so important that your child can be understood when they’re not in your care.
daycare, kindergartens, schools, playgrounds and friends houses are all busy places where your child is one of many. That’s why correct language is necessary, especially private body parts, so that a child can tell an adult, be understood and get help if they need to.
Main points when you’re talking with your child are:
-
Teaching the correct names of private body parts, penis,
testicles, vulva, vagina, anus, nipples. This can be introduced
through reading together a children’s book like Everyone’s
Got A Bottom. Most families have nicknames such as hoo ha or
pee pee. Your family nickname may not be understood outside of
your home. -
Your body belongs to you, and you can have a say in what
happens to your body. If someone touches your private parts or
asks you to touch theirs, you can say ‘no’. Tell your teacher, or
let me know, if anyone is making you feel uncomfortable. We
want to help you. -
Who could you talk to if you feel worried or sad? Help them
list a few people who could help. Then talk through the
practicalities of their ideas. (for example, children may say
‘nanna’ who lives a distance away. Suggest someone closer.)
The information you give a young child shouldn’t frighten or scare them. They
don’t need to know about sexual abuse or paedophiles. That’s adult information
and should only be metered out slowly as the child becomes a young adult.
If you, the adult, are informed, you’ll be more aware of risky situations and what
to recognise if your child’s behaviour causes you concern.
Using correct anatomical words in an everyday relaxed way, helps your child feel
comfortable speaking up about private things. Talking with your child, and
listening to their ideas helps build skills and resilience We are teaching them how
to take care of themselves. We all want our children to be safe, and become
happy confident young people.
If you'd like more information about this, please reach out to us at info@kidsbodysafety.com