Teach Your Kids “No” Means No When Someone Tries To Touch Them
Use an animal model
Today, my friend’s daughter came over to learn how to train a dog.
The little girl will be celebrating her 10th birthday tomorrow.
She had a great time, and my dog responded to every cue the little girl gave.
At some point, my friend’s daughter tried to pet my dog.
My dog growled.
Which became a great teaching opportunity.
I explained to my friend’s daughter Min’s growl wasn’t mean. She was saying “no” to getting petted.
I said Min understood she was allowed to say “no.”
I emphasized to the little girl that she also had the same right: her body was her own. If she felt uncomfortable about other people touching her, she can say no.
Another person saying “I know your parents” or “you know me” were not permission to touch her body.
Her eyes opened wide.
I don’t think anyone ever explained that to her when a dog growled at a person.
After the growl, they continued playing.
I appreciated my dog growling and allowing me to explain something to a little girl.
According to Statistics Canada, about 6 in 10 individuals living in Canada reported experiencing some type of child maltreatment before they were 15 years old (59.7%).
The majority (65%) of victims of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse reported having been abused between 1 and 6 times, while 20% reported between 7 and 21 instances. One in seven victims (15%) reported having been abused at least 22 times.
This little girl is not going to be a statistic.
Not if I can help it.