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What is Personal Space?

what is personal space

In the world of parenting, there are countless lessons to teach, and “what is personal space” is one of them. It’s a concept that, while simple for adults, can be tricky for kids to grasp. Yet, it’s crucial for their social development. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to help your child understand and respect personal space, you’re in the right place. We’ll explore this concept in detail, and we even have a Goal Mine class in video form that your kids can watch to learn this skill independently.

StepsDescription
Step 1: The Definition of Personal SpaceExplain the concept of personal space as an invisible bubble around an individual. Use simple terms and visual aids to help your child understand.
Step 2: Types of SpaceTeach your child about the four types of space: intimate, personal, social, and public. Explain the appropriate behaviors for each type of space.
Step 3: Personal Space vs Public SpaceHelp your child differentiate between personal and public space. Teach them about the appropriate distances to maintain in different situations.

Step 1: The Definition of Personal Space

In essence, personal space refers to the area immediately surrounding an individual, which they consider their own. It’s an invisible bubble that serves as a comfort zone, a boundary that provides a sense of security and control.

Teaching this concept to kids can be challenging but possible. Start by explaining the concept in simple terms. For instance, you can say, it is like an invisible bubble around us that we don’t want others to pop.” You can also use toys or drawings to illustrate the concept.

Step 2: Types of Space

Understanding the different types of space is crucial in teaching your child about personal space. Generally, there are four types of space: intimate, personal, social, and public.

what is personal space. A girl is giving her mom a hug while her mom is working at her computer.
Read more: How to Help Kids With Anxiety

Intimate space is for hugging, cuddling, or whispering, usually reserved for close family members and pets. Personal space is for conversations with friends or playing with toys. Social space is for interactions in a group setting, like a classroom or playground. Lastly, public space is for situations where your child is part of a large crowd, like in a movie theater or a park.

Step 3: Personal Space vs Public Space

Personal space and public space are two terms that often come up when discussing “what is personal space.” Personal space refers to the area surrounding an individual they consider their own. On the other hand, public spaces where anyone can be present, like parks, libraries, and stores.

Read more: What Things Make ADHD Worse?

Teaching your child the difference between these two can help them understand when and where it’s appropriate to maintain certain distances from others. For example, it’s okay to run and play freely in a public space like a park. But in personal space, like when talking to a friend, it’s essential to maintain a comfortable distance to respect their personal space.

An assortment of interactive video class thumbnails, including dental care and cooking, on the best tablet for kids by Goally.

Goally | Best Videos to Teach Life Skills

Give your kid an independent future. Goally has 100+ video classes teaching life skills like “How to Choose a Restaurant,” “How to Interrupt Politely,” and “How to Get Ready for School.”

Goally takes kids on an adventure that includes interactive practice and checkpoints along the way! No web browsers, YouTube, or social media.

Teaching your child about space is vital to their social development. It’s about teaching respect for others and understanding boundaries. Remember, patience is vital. It might take some time for your child to fully grasp the concept, but they’ll get there with consistent teaching and practice. If you found this guide helpful and want to unlock more lessons on life skills, consider getting Goally’s dedicated Tablet. It’s packed with video lessons that cover a wide range of topics, including a more in-depth exploration of what it is. The embedded YouTube video in this blog only covers step #1. Still, with Goally’s Tablet, you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge that will help your child navigate the world with confidence.

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