Page 189 - The Intentional Parent

very least, they will snicker at you behind your back. At around six or seven years of age you will want to include the notion of love in your explanation, as well as a warning about being careful that you don't get a disease called AIDS. Read on for more information about how to explain about things like AIDS to your kids.
PROTECTING AGAINST MOLESTATION
What is the best way to protect my child against molestation?
The best way to protect your child against molestation is to make him or her aware of a few very important facts as soon as he or she is capable of understanding them. For many children this can be as early as age three or four.
The first important things to teach boys and girls are the difference between "good touch" and "bad touch" and the definition of private spots. Children should be taught that their genital areas and their buttocks are private spots and that no one should touch them in these spots, except Mom and Dad when they are getting a bath or going to the bathroom. Explain that if anyone touches their private spots, they should tell Mom or Dad right away.
Next, children need to know about "good touch" and "bad touch." You would be surprised at how early children can make these distinctions. "Good touch" is a hug or a kiss on the cheek or a pat on the head, or holding hands. "Bad touch," you can explain, is when an older person or adult kisses a child on the mouth or private spots, or rubs or touches their private spots or asks them to rub or touch or kiss their private spots. Going over this a few times will make an important impression on your children, and it is something you can do while you are getting your child ready
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 189