Parenting: Teach Your Child About Good Touch, Dad Touch From Today

Lifestyle Desk

In recent times, such horrific incidents of sexual abuse of children are happening that parents are shaking. But numerous studies say that the incidents that come to light are less than 5 percent of the incidents. Most of the incidents are either not given importance by the child because they do not understand or cannot disclose them due to fear or shame. The mental distance of children with their parents is also a big reason for this.

Therefore, in order to ensure the safety and mental development of the child in the present time, it is very important to make him aware of sexual abuse or unwanted touch. For this, it is necessary to teach the child about “good touch” (good touch) and “bad touch” (bad touch) in a simple and friendly way from an early age. This education is important not only for girls, but also for boys.

Below are some effective strategies to teach children about this subject:

1. Build a friendly relationship with your child
   First, you need to build a relationship with your child so that he can share his feelings and experiences openly. You need to make the child understand that he is safe and that you are always by his side.
2. Teach him about his body
   You need to tell your child about the different parts of his body. Just as hands, feet, and mouth are public parts, so are breasts, genitals, buttocks, etc., which are personal or ‘private parts’. Explain that these parts should not be touched by anyone except parents or trusted guardians, except when cleaning themselves or when a doctor needs them.
3. Explain what ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ are
   Good touch is a touch that is pleasant, such as a mother’s caress, a father’s affectionate touch, a teacher or friend’s light pressure on the shoulder, a doctor’s touch with permission, etc.
   Bad touch is touch that is uncomfortable, scary, or done in secret, such as touching the genitals without permission, kissing them forcibly, or saying or doing something that the child does not like.
   Tell the child that his body is his own, and if someone forcibly touches him, he can say “no” and quickly go to a safe place.
4. Teach him to say “no”
   Teach the child to say “no” with confidence. Tell him that saying “no” to someone is not bad, but necessary for his own safety. It is his right.
5. Explain the importance of telling secrets
   Explain to the child that if someone says “keep it a secret, don’t tell anyone”, it may be suspicious. Good things should never be kept secret. Tell him that if something makes him uncomfortable, he should immediately tell his parents or someone he trusts.
6. Teach through role-play or drama
   The most effective way to teach children is through play or drama. You and your child can participate in small dramas about good touch and bad touch. This will help them understand the issue better.
7. Regularly observe and observe
   Regularly observe where the child goes throughout the day, who they spend time with, and whether there have been any changes in their behavior. If you notice any unusual behavior (such as being quiet, panicking, avoiding a specific person, etc.), talk to them carefully.
8. Build trust
   It is important for the child to know that even if he is the victim of an injustice or bad incident, his parents will not blame him, but will help him—this trust must be in the child’s mind.

Finally
Teaching your child about good touch and bad touch is not a taboo subject, but rather it is very important to protect his safety and mental health. Make him aware in the right language and method according to his age. Remember, an aware child means a safe child, and a safe child means a safe future.

Teach your child this today—this is a priceless gift for the future.