Navigating different relationships can be complicated for kids, which is why it's super important for parents to be open and straightforward. "Parents are encouraged to discuss different types of relationships (family members, teachers, friends, acquaintances, community helpers, strangers), and how social, boundary, and distance rules apply to these relationships," said Dr. Duarte. "These discussions can lead to pretend practices in which parents can simulate a situation and ask the child if it is appropriate for the person to touch them."
Dr. Duarte shared a few examples of this:
- Discussing different types of touch (hugs, kisses, pat on the back, handshake, high five).
- Practicing how to ask someone if it is OK to touch or hug them, how to say 'no,' 'stop,' or 'this is making me feel uncomfortable,' and how to let an adult know if an inappropriate situation has taken place.
- Establishing privacy expectations from a young age (private places or body parts are always covered with clothes; a person gets undressed in their bedroom or bathroom).
"These habits are important to help children distinguish inappropriate versus appropriate social interactions and physical contact," she said.