Teaching Kids to Respect Privacy
Small children inherently feel that the world revolves around them. How can we blame them? From the moment they’re born, we swaddle them, feed them, love them, and cater to their every whimper and tear. As soon as children are old enough to understand, at or before toddler age when they may be headed to daycare or pre-K, we must teach them that they share their world with many, many others. These people are entitled to the basic respect of privacy. Here are some ways you can teach your little ones how to respect the privacy of those around them.
Talk About Personal Space
Little kids love to run up and hug friends and family (or even strangers), jump on laps, tug at pants and skirts, and grab hands and faces. While most folks don’t mind this and may even find it endearing, not everyone is OK with it. Teach your child to ask first before hugging or kissing and not to grab at people so readily. Encourage your child to learn to pick up on cues to learn when it’s OK to touch another person. Teach about personal space and to have consideration for leaving enough room between himself and others – at least an arm’s length. Soon, your child will find this to come second nature.
Discuss Personal Belongings
Youngsters try to get their hands into everything as they learn about the world around them. While exploration is a positive thing, kids must learn that they cannot touch or go through anything they want at any time. Just like they have their own dolls and toys, they must learn that other people have things that belong to them just the same. Teach your child to ask before he touches and to not assume everything is available to him. Yes, this may cause frustration, but your child will soon learn how to be polite and respectful of the items which do not belong to him. He will also come to learn that asking properly will lead to a positive reaction from others who will be more likely to share.
Explain Private Conversations
Kids are curious and want to be part of the action, including others’ conversations. While we want our kids to be outgoing and participatory, there will come times when they are not part of the conversation and the parties involved may not want for him to be. Explain to your child if people are speaking to one another in a confidential manner that he should not eavesdrop or interrupt. If the group seems to be chatting loudly and it seems like others may join in, teach your child to ask if he may join the discussion before jumping in. He will appreciate when others show the same respect and this will teach him poise and patience throughout his life – in school and in the workplace.
How did you teach your tot about privacy and how to respect others? We’d love to share your tips with the AMC community. For more information like this, please visit All My Children Daycare.
By: Melissa A. Kay
