It's MY Body: A Book to Teach Young Children How to Resist Uncomfortable Touch Author: Visit Amazon's Lory Freeman Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0943990025 | Format: PDF
It's MY Body: A Book to Teach Young Children How to Resist Uncomfortable Touch Description
Review
"Sensitive and positive approach to teaching young children how to resist uncomfortable touches by helping them understand a range of touching and the concepts of autonomy and privacy." --
Judith Rovenger, Sesame Street Parent's Guide, Sept. 1990"This little book, has been written especially for the preschool child. Material like this can help children to cope with the problem themselves." --
The Reviewing Librarian, Vol. 12 #1 Fall 1986"We highly recommend it . . . ." --
Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, Vol. 15, Summer 1986 --This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
About the Author
Lory Freeman (now Lory Britain) has tackled tough topics in all of her books. It's MY Body, written when her children were young, was one of the first children's books to cover sexual abuse. Now a director of a respite nursery, Dr. Britain is also the author of Loving Touches, which discusses positive touching and respect for others' bodies, and the new My Grandma Died, which explains death and the grieving process to very young children.
- Age Range: 3 - 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 3
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Parenting Press; 1 edition (January 1, 1982)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0943990025
- ISBN-13: 978-0943990026
- Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
This is a book with a message that cannot be stressed enough. One major message that cannot be overemphasized is that abusers are NOT always strangers. Very young children are provided with tools of empowerment in this book and I like the direct way this serious topic of improper touching is addressed. While the illustrations are somewhat bland and lacking in color, that still does not detract from the book's main message.
I like the examples of unwelcome nonsexual touches such as enduring hugs and kisses from somebody the child either dislikes or does not know; unpleasant variations on "acceptable" touches, such as a hug that is too firm. Good or acceptable touch is explored, such as holding someone's hand and kissing someone you like/love. A good point about doctor examinations is given - although check ups are never pleasant, it is important to discuss with children why the doctor needs to examine every part of their bodies to ensure good health with no intention to hurt. That is a special case, but it still needs to be openly discussed.
Many children love to test out their new-found powers and in reading this to a group of young children and telling them to practice declaring refusal is very effective. It is also very empowering. Being loud with an abuser will undoubtedly get them to back off as predators do not want to attract attention to themselves.
The drawback is that it can be somewhat awkward to explain to a relative or other trusted adult such as a neighbor why your child refuses a hug and expresses dislike for it, but honoring the child's wishes is paramount. For example, there are numerous cases where children with autism find hugs too overwhelming because of sensory stimuli.
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