Teaching Kids About Good Touch and Bad Touch

Introduction

One of the most important lessons you can teach your child is the difference between good touch and bad touch. It’s not always an easy conversation, but it’s a necessary one to help protect them from unsafe situations and empower them to speak up.

Here’s a simplified, parent-friendly guide to teach your child about body safety with a story example to make the conversation easier and more engaging.

Step 1: Use the Right Words

Start by teaching your child the correct names for all body parts, including private parts. This gives them the language they need to express if something’s wrong. Private parts are usually the areas covered by a swimsuit.

Tip: Don’t shy away from words like "penis," "vagina," or "bottom", using proper terms helps break shame and confusion.

Step 2: “You Are the Boss of Your Body”

Let children know they’re in charge of their bodies. If they don’t want to be hugged, tickled, or picked up, it’s okay to say “No.” And others including family  should respect that.

Practice together: “No, I don’t like that. Please stop.”

Step 3: Explain the Three Types of Touch

Help your child recognize different kinds of touches:

• Safe Touch: Hugs, kisses, or high-fives that feel good or keep them healthy (e.g., a doctor’s checkup).

• Unsafe Touch: Hurts the body or feelings, like hitting or pushing.

• Unwanted Touch: A touch that may be okay but your child doesn’t want. It’s okay to say “no,” even to someone familiar.

Story Time: A Lesson with Timmy & the Magic Bubble

Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Timmy who had a magic bubble that surrounded him. His parents told him that this bubble was his personal space and only he could decide who entered it.

One day, a friend at school tried to tickle Timmy when he didn’t feel like playing. Timmy remembered what his mom told him: “If someone touches you in a way that makes you feel yucky, scared, or confused, it’s okay to say no.”

So Timmy said, “No, I don’t like that.” His teacher heard him and helped. Later, Timmy told his parents, and they said, “We’re so proud of you. You did the right thing.”

And from that day on, Timmy always trusted his feelings and so did his magic bubble.

Safety Rules to Teach

• No one should touch your private parts except to keep you clean or healthy (like during a bath or doctor visit).

• Never touch someone else’s private parts.

• Say “No,” get away, and tell a trusted adult if someone makes you uncomfortable.

• Secrets that make you feel scared or icky should never be kept.

Reinforce: “You can always talk to me about anything.”

Final Words to Parents

It’s not just about a one-time talk it’s about creating an open, trusting space where your child feels safe asking questions or sharing uncomfortable moments. Even trusted adults can break boundaries, so always stay alert and encourage open dialogue.

Every child has the right to feel safe, strong, and heard. Start today because one simple talk could make all the difference.

Explore more parenting tips and safety guides at Mammason because raising confident, safe kids begins with small conversations every day.