In simple, reassuring language, therapist Cornelia Spelman explains that a child’s body is his or her own; that it is all right for children to decline a friendly hug or kiss, even from someone they love; and that “even if you don’t want a hug or kiss right now, you can still be friends.” She goes on to define private parts and stresses that “it’s important to tell if someone tries to touch your private parts.”
A good, solid book on the subject and one of the few appropriate for this age group.
This book is positive and assertive without being frightening. It lets young children know that it’s all right for them to choose when, and by whom, they are to be touched. It goes on to define “private parts” as “the places on your body covered by a bathing suit,” and states that they should never be touched by people other than medical personnel and adults helping with bathroom functions. The prefatory note to parents is an important one as it reminds them to trust a child’s instincts and concerns related to unwanted touching.
This is a wonderful book to help parents and teachers deal with young children on the subject of sexual abuse.
