A–Z Glossary

Body autonomy

Bodily autonomy is a child’s right to have preferences and make appropriate choices about physical contact involving their own body.

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Helping children accept an apology while keeping healthy boundaries

Helping children accept an apology while keeping healthy boundaries

Why apology and boundaries are separate skills One of the most helpful ideas to give children is that accepting an apology does not mean giving up their right to safety or comfort. A child can listen, notice the other person’s words, and still decide, ‘I need space right now.’ That is not rude; it is […]

Common stranger safety myths

Common stranger safety myths

Myth 1: The greatest danger is a completely unknown stranger This is the central stranger-safety myth. Public attention often focuses on stereotypical abductions involving a person the child has never seen before, a vehicle, and a sudden disappearance. Such events are serious, but they are uncommon compared with many other forms of child victimization. Research […]

What children should do if they get lost in a public place

What children should do if they get lost in a public place

Prepare before leaving home Preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce confusion. Before entering a crowded or unfamiliar place, caregivers should explain where the family will stay together, what to do if someone becomes separated, and which adults or locations can provide help. Use short, concrete instructions that match the child’s developmental […]

Encouraging positive sibling relationships

Encouraging positive sibling relationships

Why sibling relationships matter Siblings provide daily opportunities to practice social skills in a relationship that is both intimate and challenging. Children learn how to read facial expressions, negotiate turn-taking, tolerate frustration, apologize, repair harm, and assert preferences. These interactions can support self-regulation, emotional understanding, empathy, and academic competence, especially when the relationship includes warmth […]

How to set boundaries and rules for children

How to set boundaries and rules for children

Why boundaries matter for children’s development Boundaries help children understand the difference between impulse and action. A toddler may want to hit, grab, run into the street, or scream during a transition, not because they are “bad,” but because emotional arousal can outpace inhibitory control. Older children may test limits around screens, chores, bedtime, privacy, […]