Assalamu Alaikum!
Today, we are going to be talking about how to teach your Muslim children about body safety, based on our conversation with Dr. Afshana Haque, LMFT-A, PhD, during the MyKidsConversation by MyKidsHQ podcast.
Often times, parents have a tough time talking about body safety with their children. It feels awkward and weird and somehow they always seem too young. But this is important — it's just like protecting them from any other harmful situation. A lot of times, even when we DO talk about safe touching, we tend to brush over it and avoid naming private parts, which confuses children.
Here are some tips to help us all navigate this important topic!
Concept of Awrah & Naming Body Parts
It's important to teach children the names of all their body parts, including private ones. Explaining to them what their awrah is (concealing nakedness). Bath times are great for this — remind them that these parts should always be covered (with the exception of bathroom usage, or doctor visits with an appropriate adult).
Talk to Them
As children get older we have to communicate with them even more! Curiosity in children is normal, so it's important they come to us with their questions rather than turning to friends or the internet. Fight the instinct to shelter kids from these topics — remember these conversations are for their protection and understanding.
Explain Safe Touch
Tell your children the difference between safe touch and unsafe touch — the difference between a hug/kiss from a parent vs. hitting/pushing etc. Most importantly, validate their feelings regularly so they know how to listen to them. Remind them that if they feel uncomfortable in a situation to leave it immediately and inform an adult.
Take Ownership of Their Bodies
Let your child always be in control of who touches/kisses them. Model the behaviors you want to see by asking them to respect your body and by respecting them and their bodies.
Build a Relationship With Them
Bonding with your children directly affects their physical safety. Fostering love and trust helps them know you're always there for them without judgment. They'll talk to you openly if they have questions, and confide in you if anything makes them uncomfortable.
We hope these tips help! May Allah swt always protect and preserve our children, and may He give them success in this life and the hereafter. Ameen!
Sidra & Anis
As Your Child Enters Puberty, Take the Next Step
Body safety conversations naturally lead into puberty education — and that's where many parents feel lost. We've created scholar-reviewed guides to help you have these conversations with both your son and your daughter, with word-for-word scripts so you always know what to say.
