“How do I talk about this without scaring my children…or myself?”

All parents and carers want their children to be safe. All parents and carers know how to keep danger away.

But when it comes to teaching children about certain dangers, you may struggle to find the right words. Or you might struggle with your own fears and experiences of body safety.

The research is clear: talking to children about body safety is a great way to protect them from abuse.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to talk about.

No Means No! and other books by Jayneen Sanders can give parents and carers the words and phrases to teach children about personal boundaries , as well as a lot of encouragement for children to use their voices and know their rights to safety.

Or there are more subtle options.

In A Lion is a Lion by Polly Dunbar, there is no mention of bodies at all. In this story, two children have a very unusual visitor at home and must listen to their instincts in order to stay safe.

You could also start with building your child’s self-confidence and their acceptance that every body is precious and perfect, exactly as it is. Read a real-life story here.

For more direct support with abuse in families, try 1800 Respect as a helpful place to start. You can also speak to your GP or any service you feel comfortable with.