Talking with children about their bodies can seem daunting, but it is an important protective step that builds connection and equips children with safety-focused knowledge. Here is what research shows us about the importance of talking with children about personal body safety:
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Children who have a basic understanding of personal body safety are more likely to tell an adult if someone is hurting them.
- Children learn about sex earlier than we realize, and it's better that they learn from their caregivers than from kids at school or the internet. You have the ability to teach them respect and self-love in a way that someone else may not.
- Children who are told not to speak about their private parts may learn to feel shameful about their bodies, leading them to avoid discussing important things with you in the future.
- Children need to learn boundaries from a young age, including boundaries about their own bodies and the bodies of others. Having a correct understanding of their private parts allows them to understand why these boundaries are important.
