The overwhelming feeling of wanting to home school are bubbling up more & more with Mum Rage
Some schools, more than others are so seriously outdated it's a hazard to young brains. I am all about teaching our children about self respect and safety, but some boundaries get over stepped with poorly thought out "safety" programs. Like the one in New Zealand, K.O.S (Keeping Ourselves Safe)
Most of the program is great, they teach stranger danger & general safety. But some of the things discussed raised my Mother hackles.
like this question..
"How would you feel if a baby sitter put their hand down inside your under pants"
This is a very specific question, one that can confuse a young child & one that should not be discussed with adults they barely know. This is not a question I would ask my child, it is very creepy. Instead we can teach self respect & that their bodies are theirs & no one else's. The fact is, NOBODY can touch their body, NOBODY can do anything to them that makes them feel uncomfortable. This questions it'self is overstepping comfort boundaries.
The other not so serious one is discussing with the teacher the correct names for body parts. This is a great way for them to be able to explain correctly if anything goes on. But again, I do not find any comfort in a teacher speaking with my 5 year old about their private parts.
Being open with your child & teaching them self respect is a great way to encourage body positivity. Having uncomfortable conversations with a teacher at such a young age, and with an outdated school safety program (At least 10 years old) is not helping our kids.
Be a nosy parent. School is great but we are their first teachers. Kick up dust when things like this happen, it is not okay! I can only imagine how much worse it gets as they get older.
I understand that for some children, school is the only place they get to learn about body safety. But the questions being asked are too specific & confusing.
What are some good body safety & positivity techniques you have used, or think should be used in schools for this age?
Needless to say... we are taking the day off.