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Good Touch or Bad Touch: How to Help Children Understand the Difference
Source: Akhila Das Blah, Storyteller & Content Writer
While it saddens me that this topic is necessary, it is crucial to prepare our children for an increasingly unsafe world. These conversations can be uncomfortable for parents, especially those unsure of where to begin or whether their children are too young to understand. However, it’s essential to start early.
Start with Body Awareness
Begin by teaching your child the names of their body parts. They need to know what to call their private parts, and it’s important to not associate any shame with this knowledge. A child should be comfortable identifying the parts of their body just as they would say “arm” or “leg.” This simple step enables a child to articulate their needs and communicate any discomfort in a clear and direct way.
Fostering Comfort and Understanding
When children are toddlers, they may often run around without their clothes on, which is perfectly natural. Instead of making them feel embarrassed, calmly explain that certain parts of their body are private. Let them know that these parts are not for public viewing. Only parents are allowed to touch them, and this should only happen when giving a bath. Similarly, a doctor may need to touch their private areas, but this should always be done in the presence of a parent.
Explaining Good Touch vs. Bad Touch
As children grow a little older, it’s time to explain the difference between good and bad touches. A good touch is one that makes them feel happy, comfortable, and loved, like a hug from a parent, a kiss on the cheek from a sibling, or the playful tickling from a family member that makes them laugh. A bad touch, however, is when someone hurts them or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way. This distinction is crucial for children to understand and communicate.
Empowering Children to Speak Up
Encourage your child to always say “No” as loudly as possible if they feel uncomfortable. Reinforce this by teaching them the “Stop it! I don’t like it” rule. Whether they’re playing with siblings or friends, they should feel empowered to speak up if something goes too far, like in rough play. This gives them confidence in situations where they may need to assert themselves. It’s important to also teach other children to respect this boundary and stop immediately when told.
Regular Reinforcement
Remember, this is not a one-time conversation. It should be ongoing, woven into casual daily conversations. The more you reinforce these ideas, the more natural and normalized it will feel for your child. Use everyday situations to keep the dialogue open.
For parents looking for a school that understands the importance of such conversations and provides a safe, nurturing environment for young learners, there are several options in Kolkata. Many pre-primary schools in Kolkata offer programs that teach about body awareness and boundaries in an age-appropriate manner. Best schools in Kolkata are known to integrate values of respect and safety into their curriculums. Best CBSE schools in Kolkata provide the right balance of academic rigor and emotional well-being for young children.
Conclusion
Having regular, open discussions about good touch and bad touch is key to helping children stay safe. By starting early, being consistent, and creating an environment where your child feels heard and respected, you can help them navigate the world with confidence and awareness.

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