Keeping Children Safe

Our children are so young and innocent and as parents we want to protect them and keep them safe. One of the best things that you can teach your children is that they are allowed to say 'NO'. It is such a tiny word but it has such huge implications. How many times, as a child, were you made to give a relation a kiss and you really didn't want to? For whatever reason it was, you didn't like their facial hair, they had a big mole on their chin or maybe you just got that 'urgh' feeling. By insisting on that kiss or cuddle, your right to say 'NO' was taken away from you. I know that we don't want our children to be rude to adults as it is embarrassing, but next time your child refuses a kiss or a cuddle from a relative or friend, try to respect that there is a reason for it and maybe suggest a 'Hi 5' or a thumbs up instead. This way, as your children grow into teenagers and adults, they will then know that it is ok for them to say 'NO' to unwanted touch.

Our thought of the week is:

The power of saying NO is so much more than the power of saying YES