Body Safety, Why It Should Never Be A Taboo Topic

As parents, we worry that it could lead to fear and anxiety in our children, and feel like we are scaring them into believing they are at risk of harm. But teaching your children about body safety is not only a necessary conversation, it is also an empowering one. By teaching your children how to identify and protect themselves against unwanted touches, you are giving them the tools to recognize and respond to a potentially dangerous situation if it ever arises. Body safety should never be a taboo topic. By talking openly and honestly with your children, you can help them understand their own boundaries, empower them to make good decisions, and keep themselves safe.

Unfortunately, many parents avoid discussing body safety due to their own discomfort. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Teaching body safety can be done in an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate way that doesn’t leave children feeling scared or overwhelmed. If you’re feeling hesitant, here are some tips for getting started:

• Start the conversation early - You don’t have to wait until your child is a certain age before discussing body safety. Instead, you can introduce the topic gradually as your child grows and understands more complex concepts.
• Make it part of everyday life - Incorporating body safety into every day conversations can help normalize the idea and make it less intimidating for your child. For example, you might talk about what clothes are appropriate to wear in public or how to respond if someone tries to touch them without permission.
• Lead by example - Model positive behaviors and healthy boundaries for your child. Show them that it’s OK to set limits and stand up for themselves when necessary.
• Focus on empowerment - Talk to your child about how they can be empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and how they want to be treated. 

By talking openly and honestly with your child about body safety, you can help them understand their rights, recognize inappropriate behavior, and know what steps to take if they ever find themselves in a difficult situation. Don’t let discomfort stop you from having this important conversation – your child’s safety is worth it!