Top 5 important conversation to have with your toddler about privacy and safety

It’s a bit awkward talking to toddlers about privacy and safety issues, at least for some parents. They tend to believe that “children are too young to understand.” Actually, teaching them about awareness and confidence during these early childhood years has a very powerful impact. Teaching them in a soft and gentle way will help them gain awareness about their own body, privacy, and power to express themselves.

Teaching a toddler about the importance of their body being their own is a valuable lesson. Phrase like “My body is mine” is helpful for a child to comprehend their boundaries without being scared and confused. By reaffirming this message every day in contexts such as asking before hugging a child or when they say no to a hug, a child can establish a good body autonomy foundation.

Toddlers do not require vivid descriptions to grasp the concept of safety. They easily understand when words are not complicated. They can be told that not all touches are bad and that most of them are done while a trusted adult is with them. Some touches that make a child feel strange or frightened should still be reported to a parent. The idea here is not to instill fear but for the child to be aware of their situation. Children should be made aware of the fact that it’s never their fault when they are touched inappropriately and they will never get in trouble for telling the truth.

Privacy can also be introduced through daily activities such as using the bathroom, dressing, or bathing. A child can be taught by their parents that some body parts are private areas that are usually covered by clothing. This will enable toddlers to comprehend that some times belong to them only or to some people around them.

Toddlers feel strong emotions but have not learned to verbalize them. Learning to validate and trust their emotions is a vital step in safety.

When a child learns that discomfort merits attention, they develop an internal system of safety. This can be referred to as emotional knowing, but basically, it gives them a sense that something doesn't quite feel right and provides permission to go seek help.

Children should know there are certain adults that they can always talk to when they are scared, confused, or upset. Parents can explain to them that safe adults listen, help, and never ask children to keep secrets that make them uncomfortable.