10 Books That Teaches Safe Touch, Stranger Danger and Self Awareness - A Bountiful Love

10 Books That Teaches Safe Touch, Stranger Danger and Self Awareness

A few days ago I shared a post on  How to Teach Kids about Safe Touch. I got positive responses on that post. This is a very important and personal topic for me. Talking to kids about this very sensitive topic can be really intimidating. A study done by David Filkenhor, Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, shows that : ( see, National Center for Victims of Crime)



  • 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse;
  • Self-report studies show that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident;
  • During a one-year period in the U.S., 16% of youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized;
  • Over the course of their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized;
  • Children are most vulnerable to CSA between the ages of 7 and 13.
-->The statistics and prevalence of child abuse is hard to determine because it is often NOT REPORTED.

 I truly believe that child sexual abuse prevention starts at home. We are our children's advocate.
We can empower and keep them safe.

   When hubby and I felt that it was time to teach our own kids about the safe touch and unsafe, I was honestly at a loss. I just didn't know how to start. I asked a friend of ours and she suggested a book. That's where we started. Our girls love books, so how else can I relay this very important message to them. The world we live in now sadly requires parents to be proactive. Here are some book suggestions to help you discuss this very important matter.





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It's My Body by Lory Freeman

 Preschool children learn safe boundaries, how to distinguish between "good" and "bad" touches, and how to respond appropriately to unwanted touches. This book is a powerful book for enhancing self-esteem.




     This book is excellent because it was written from a kid s point of view, so it makes the teaching moment a lot easier. The book uses a simple but direct approach that doesn't dumb down the issues involved. There are also suggestions for appropriate responses to help keep them safe. I Said No! covers a variety of topics, including:
What's appropriate and with whom.
How to deal with inappropriate behavior, bribes, and threats.
When and where to go for help, and what to do if the people you're turning to for help don't listen.
Dealing with feelings of guilt and shame.




    This book uses simple and reassuring language. It did a wonderful job of explaining that a child's body is his or her own; that it is all right for kids to decline a friendly hug or kiss, even from someone they love, and that you can still be friends even if you don't want a hug now.




      Right Touch reaches beyond the usual scope of a children's picture book. It is a parenting book that introduces a very difficult topic--the sexual abuse of young children.




This book helps kids distinguish between good and bad secrets. It can be confusing for kids to know the difference between a good and a bad secret. There are secrets that are fun to keep, like a surprise birthday gift for Mom, But sometimes, children have secrets that make them feel bad, and these secrets are best shared with their parents, or with some trusted an older person. A child who is bullied might be inclined to keep it secret, but it's always best to tell parents about it. Or children who are touched intimately and improperly by an older person will soon feel better if they reveal the secret to parents. A must-read for every family.



   Siblings Katie and her little brother Kyle learn about personal safety, private parts, and “thumbs up & thumbs down” touch by talking with their mom in a loving and easy-to-understand manner.  Katie and Kyle’s mom also explains the essential “No Secrets” rule in their family, and that it is never their fault if they get an “uh-oh feeling” from anyone.

    The story is written with a positive and engaging approach using child-friendly language and charming illustrations. A “Parent's Guide with Prevention Tips” is also included to help parents understand their role in keeping children safe from sexual abuse. By learning how to interpret red flags and how to recognize possible grooming scenarios, parents can significantly reduce the risks and keep their children safe from sexual abuse.

   “No Trespassing - This Is MY Body!” comes highly recommended by pediatricians, teachers, and parents as a valuable tool in the fight against childhood sexual abuse.




    It is a storybook to help boys and girls, of different races and ethnic backgrounds learn about protecting their bodies, self-respect and how to assertively say “No” and “Don’t touch me!” to anyone who touches them inappropriately.

   Children learn that it’s OK to tell and talk about their feelings. This book uses  simple explanations and open-ended questions as well as a fun “Can you spot it?” exercise to keep children engaged and help refocus them if they become distracted, anxious or stressed due to the topic being discussed.





 Young children are curious about almost everything. Asking questions is one of the many ways they learn about themselves and the world around them. Sometimes body parts can also be confusing for them. The key to self-awareness and keeping them safe is the knowledge of each body is unique. Boys body parts are different from a girl's. It is a fun way of teaching young children.




 We want our children to learn the stranger danger concept.  It is hard at times especially when us adults encourage our kids to be friendly and cordial. This book did a wonderful job with that task. When Papa Bear tells the cubs why they should never talk to strangers, Sister begins to view all strangers as evil until Mama brings some common sense to the problem. "The Bears' rules for safe conduct among strangers are listed on the last pages, including a rule about the privacy of a bear's body. It is definitely a must-read for every kid.



This book uses an age-appropriate and kid-friendly format. My Body Is Special and Belongs to Me! tackles safe and unsafe touch and much more topics that can be intimidating to discuss.



Another resource to read:


How to teach kids about safe touch





1 comment

  1. A very important topic and great books. Thanks for sharing on Literacy Musing Mondays.

    ReplyDelete

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