Keeping your Children Safe

Children are naturally curious about their bodies, helping them learn about how bodies work is a process that starts when they are very young. Answering any questions that they have in a child appropriate manner will help them to grow up feeling comfortable about themselves. Children will ask questions about their own bodies, how they work, why are boys different to girls, where do babies come from and many other questions. It is ok for you to answer in an age appropriate manner; to hold back and not answer their questions will make them think that the topic is taboo, they will then ask their friends and the answers they get may be totally inappropriate.

Tips to help you discuss body bits with your child:

Never be embarrassed by their questions, it's natural curiosity that makes them ask.

Name the body parts with the correct name, do not use pet names, this only makes for confusion when they hear the real name.

If they ask a question that you don't know how to answer, tell them "that's a good question, how about we go the library and find a book we can look at together and find the answer to your question". 

Never laugh at them when they ask a question, their question is important to them and by laughing it will stop them asking.

When children have the answers about their bodies they are more able to keep themselves safe. Allow your children to respect their bodies, if they say "NO" to a hug or a kiss from a family member, they are not being rude, they are just saying that they don't want this to happen and that is ok. By listening to the "NO", respecting their request and giving them consent to say "NO" when they don't want this to happen, is a great asset for them to have growing up.

There is an amazing website that we use every time there is an issue in school, whether it be a child peeking under the door at other children in the toilets or a child showing another child their private parts - click here to access the website. It is really worth sitting down with your children and looking at the Pantosaurus underpants rule, after all we all want to keep our children safe!

And finally, our positive thought for the week:

Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be!

If you have a parenting concern, you can contact Mrs Easty via the school office - admin@burlingtoni.org.uk