How to Teach Kids About Using Safe Hands & Feet
Children usually need specific guidance to teach them how to get along respectfully with others. The concept of ̶0;safe hands and feet̶1; is at the crux of respectful behavior and fits well into the basic guidelines that kids need to know. Once a child understands the desired ways she should use her hands and feet, she will be more able to interact positively with others.
Instructions
Explain the basic rule of getting along respectfully to your child. By keeping hands and feet, and all body parts, to himself, your child will treat others respectfully and avoid bothering and provoking other people by unwanted physical contact. Help your child consider how she feels when someone touches her with hands or feet in a bothersome way. You might say, ̶0;Can you remember a time when your brother teased or bothered you by pulling your hair or tapping your shoulder? It can be irritating and frustrating if someone insists on touching when you don̵7;t want to be touched.̶1; Develop the term ̶0;safe hands and feet̶1; with your child to help him remember how to get along with others respectfully while keeping himself and others safe. When you tell your child to use ̶0;safe hands̶1; or ̶0;safe feet,̶1; you are reminding him to keep his hands or feet to himself and to avoid touching or hurting others. Discuss times when your child might have trouble using safe hands and feet to help prepare your child for various situations. For example, when standing in line at the library, your child may have trouble remembering not to reach out and touch other people. When playing at the park sandbox, your child may struggle to share toys, which could lead to unsafe hands and feet. Encourage your child to think of some reasons for or benefits of using safe hands and feet. Brainstorm together with your child to help drive home the lesson and to ensure that your child understands your expectations.
