My Private Parts are Private!: A Guide for Teaching Children about Safe Touching

BEST SELLER! My Private Parts are Private! is designed for use by parents, caregivers, counselors, social service staff and protective investigators and can be read to children to help enable discussions about safe touching. It is a storybook to help boys and girls, of different races and ethnic backgrounds learn about protecting their bodies, self-respect and how to assertively say “No” and “Don’t touch me!” to anyone who touches them inappropriately. It includes open-ended questions following each lesson to encourage children to open up and explore their thoughts and feelings about safe touching, personal choices and when to seek others for help. The book also introduces the topic of sexual abuse and ways to keep one’s body private. It helps adults and children talk about sexual abuse together in a way which minimizes embarrassment and fear, but emphasizes self-protection and open communication. Children learn that it’s OK to tell and talk about their feelings, and that sexual abuse is never their fault in hopes that they can continue to heal. Although sensitive, My Private Parts are Private! uses vivid and imaginative illustrations to build rapport and encourage adults and children to laugh, giggle and share. Each topic includes a keyword, simple explanation, open-ended question as well as a fun “Can you spot it?” exercise to keep children engaged and help refocus them if they become distracted, anxious or stressed due to the topic being discussed.