Teaching children PERSONAL SAFETY

Fear is immobilizing; confidence through preparation is empowering. Focus on skill-building rather than stranger-danger narratives, which are often exaggerated.

- By AARTHI TAKAWANE

I want to teach my seven-year-old personal safety rules without getting her scared and suspicious of all strangers. Please suggest.
— Mrinalini Kiran, Delhi

Children in the six-ten age group are developing operational thinking — they understand rules and logic but are still emotionally sensitive. The key is to empower without alarming.

Try these practical ways to teach her personal safety rules:

Use role-play. Practise some scenarios — for instance, her getting separated in a crowd: “If you can’t find me, go to a shopkeeper and say, ‘I’m lost, can you help me call my parent?’”

Teach the “Safe 5” rule. Teach them to identify five trusted adults she can turn to for help when in danger — such as uniformed personnel, store staff, teachers.

Reinforce body autonomy. Teach her it’s okay to say no to unwanted touch, even from adults she knows.

Teach the “Uh-oh” feeling. Encourage children to trust their instincts. If something feels wrong, they don’t have to explain why — they can leave or ask for help.

Please recommend some ways to teach my child values such as gratitude, contentment and empathy without being preachy.
— Risha Choudhry, Mumbai