Navigating the waters of parenting is no small feat. Today, we’ll tackle one of those imperative, albeit sensitive, topics: “What to do if someone is touching you.” As caregivers, it’s our role to arm our children with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. And that’s why we’ve broken this down into bite-sized, manageable steps for you. Even better, we have a Goal Mine class in video format embedded in this blog. Do ensure your kids watch it. It offers a visual step-by-step guide, emphasizing the importance of learning this skill independently.
Table of Contents
| Step Number | Task | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recognize Unwanted Touch | Understanding Boundaries, Trust Their Feelings |
| 2 | Say ‘No’ Loudly | The Power of Voice, Practice Makes Perfect |
| 3 | Get Away From The Situation | Safety First, Find A Safe Spot |
| 4 | Tell A Trusted Adult | Open Communication Channels, Use Examples |
| 5 | Understand It’s Not Their Fault | Building Self-worth, Constant Reassurance |
| 6 | Review and Practice | Routine Checks, Role Play |
Step 1: Recognize Unwanted Touch
- Understanding Boundaries: Start by discussing personal boundaries with your child. Mention places like school or during playdates where these rules apply. For instance, explain that no one should touch them in places covered by a swimsuit.
- Trust Their Feelings: Kids should know it’s okay to feel uncomfortable. Teach them that if someone’s touch makes them feel weird or uneasy, it’s a sign that something might be off.
Step 2: Say ‘No’ Loudly
- The Power of Voice: Emphasize the importance of using their voice. They should shout “No!” or “Stop!” when someone is touching them inappropriately.
- Practice Makes Perfect: To clarify, hold mock sessions where they practice saying ‘no.’ Above all, ensure they understand the gravity of the situation without instilling fear.
Read more: How to Connect With Your Child
Step 3: Get Away From The Situation
- Safety First: Once they’ve voiced their discomfort, the next step is to distance themselves. That is to say, teach them to move away from the person or situation causing them distress.
- Find A Safe Spot: If they’re outside, guide them to return home or to a teacher. Similarly, if indoors, they should find a room with a lock or go to a trusted adult.
Step 4: Tell A Trusted Adult
- Open Communication Channels: Stress the importance of talking about these issues. For example, they should approach you, a teacher, or another adult they trust.
- Use Examples: Share stories where communication made all the difference. But remember to keep it age-appropriate.
Step 5: Understand It’s Not Their Fault
- Building Self-worth: Kids must know that no one has the right to violate their boundaries. Moreover, they should be confident that it’s never their fault if someone touches them without consent.
- Constant Reassurance: Frequently reassure them of their worth and importance.
Step 6: Review and Practice
- Routine Checks: Every now and then, check in on their understanding of these steps. For instance, ask them to explain the steps back to you.
- Role Play: Engage in role-playing scenarios, where they can practice recognizing unwanted touch and responding appropriately. It solidifies their understanding in the same vein.
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In conclusion, these steps offer a comprehensive guide to equipping our kids with the necessary tools to handle such situations. It’s a daunting task, indeed. Yet, with regular communication, role-playing, and practice, we can foster a safe environment for them. After that, consider investing in Goally’s dedicated tablet to unlock the rest of our video lessons on “what to do if someone is touching you.” The embedded YouTube video in this blog only introduces the first step. Ensure your child gets a comprehensive understanding by accessing the full range of lessons. Their safety is paramount, and with these tools, you’re taking a significant step in ensuring it.
Goally
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