My Body Is Private Book

So many children's books trying to address the issue of molestation/sexual abuse are all about "stranger danger" with seedy men offering children candy or asking for help to find their dog. Stranger danger culture has made our society one filled with terror - no adult, especially male, has the option to help a child the see who might be lost or in danger for fear of having their life ruined by the mere impression that he might have the opportunity to sexually assault a child. I see that culture as far more harmful than any beneficial.

Consequently, it's refreshing to see a book that can talk about privacy, feelings about "private" body parts, and how to react to a situation where someone makes you feel uncomfortable with their touching. This book further points out that unwanted touching is not to be tolerated period - even if its your older brother tickling you until you cry or your relative holding you on their lap like you were an infant when you feel like you're too old for that. Instead of it all being about "stranger danger" its simply teaching children that they have the right AND power to ask someone to stop and if they don't, they should absolutely tell their parent or other trusted adult even if they are threatened or not believed.

PGSE award. ()