These common headlines in the newspapers these days would turn out to be a nightmare for any parent – no matter what the age of their child is. We can’t lock up our kids at home, right? We cannot ask them not to step out to play. We cannot stop them going to school every day. But yes, we can pass on the right knowledge to them and empower them to be aware and make sure that they prevent the unwanted to happen. We as parents usually face difficulty in having this conversation but it is better to explain it to them through narratives or stories so that they are aware.
Books are the best way to explain it to them and through this blog today we will share some select 5 books that would help explain this.
Your Body Belongs To You – The Author explains matters in simple, short sentences and deals with topics pertaining to a child’s emotional health. She defines what private parts are, and that a child can say no if he/she doesn’t want a hug or to be touched. Easy reading to kids aged 3 and above.
Some Parts Are Not For Sharing – This is the ideal book to start talking about bodies and touches to a very young child, without too many details. The use of fish and simple sentences give a more ‘cartoonish’ effect that can help start the discussion in your home. Good for children 3 and above.
Do you have a secret? Let’s Talk About It – Rather than focusing only on good and bad touching, this book focuses on good and bad secrets. A surprise party is a good secret, but not an improper touch. Considering that most offenders tell the kids to keep the abuse a secret, this is a very useful book. An overall good read for kids aged 4 and above.
I Can Play It Safe – This again, is a general book about children’s safety, but in very kid friendly language. This book talks about what should be kept a secret, and about always checking in with home base and creating a community of trusted adults. Pretty much a must-have book for kids aged 4 and above.
Uncle Willy’s Tickles: A Child’s Right To Say No – This is a good book especially for timid kids who might not have the courage to say ‘No’ to someone, especially a known adult. This book helps them realise that they aren’t going to be considered rude or bad if they reject anyone’s advances. This is especially important in an Indian scenario, where all children are given a blanket rule of respecting and obeying all elders. Good for kids aged 4 and up.
We must have some or all of these books and make sure that we read-along with our children. This would help them entrench in them the thought of ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ and how it is important to keep our precious body safe from the bad people out there.
— Roopa Hoonjan —
Image Source – medylife.com