One way to help children protect
themselves is to practice responses to potentially dangerous situations. That
way, if necessary, children will know how to react properly and quickly. The
"What if É" game can make practicing easy and fun. Every time you
play, say this to your child, in your own words:
"Your body belongs to you and
you have a right to decide how and when anyone can touch you. If somebody tries
to touch you in a way that doesn't feel good, or doesn't seem right, say 'NO!'
It's even OK to shout and yell 'NO!' Then run away and tell somebody. If the
first person doesn't believe you, keep telling people until someone does."
What if ... something was bothering you and you
did not know what to do about it? Who might be able to help you?
Answer ... People you trust, such as
a parent, another relative, neighbour, teacher, school nurse, police officer,
clergy.
What if ... someone touched your privates and
offered you a candy bar to keep it a secret?
Answer ... Say "NO!" and
tell someone.
What if ... someone you know put their hand
down your pants?
Answer É Say "NO!" and
tell someone. No one is allowed to touch your privates.
What if ... someone asked you to touch their
privates.
Answer ... Say "NO!" and
tell someone. You are not allowed to touch anyoneÕs privates and no one should
ask you to.
What if ... a stranger offered you a ride in a
shiny new car?
Answer ... Never accept rides from a
stranger.
What if ... you did not want to be hugged by a
particular adult just now?
Answer ... Say "NO!" to
that adult. You may like the person, but you may not want to be hugged at that
time.
What if ... you got a "bad feeling"
or felt "yukky" when a grown-up gave you a hug or a big squeeze?
Answer ... Tell the person you do
not like it. You have the right to decide when you want to be hugged or
touched. Trust your feelings about the way people touch you.
What if ... someone is tickling you and it
starts to hurt?
Answer ... Tell them to stop. If
they will not stop, call for help. If I am not home at the time, tell me about
it later.
What if ... Mommy, daddy or a doctor touched
the private parts of your body?
Answer ... Grown-ups do not usually
need to touch children in private areas unless it is for health reasons.
What if ... the baby sitter wanted to touch you
under your night clothes?
Answer ... No one has the right to
put their hand under your clothes; force you to touch them; touch your body; or
touch your private body parts.
What if ... your uncle (aunt) wanted you to sit
on his (her) lap and you did not want to?
Answer... You can say
"NO!" to your uncle/aunt if, for some reason, you do not want to do
it.