Teaching children about privacy
Is privacy an issue in your home since you became a parent? Sometimes it feels as though you had to give privacy up when children came into your life. But everyone needs their own private area - a place that belongs to them alone. Private areas are places where you are in control and can be by yourself.
Children need to learn what privacy is all about. They learn this by watching what their parents do. Start teaching your child about privacy early. Make rules about personal space and possessions.
Some good rules are:
- Ask before using something that isn't yours.
- A closed door is the same as a locked one.
Realize though that privacy works two ways. If you want your child to knock on your door, knock before you enter your child's space. If you want your child to respect your belongings, respect his or hers. A demonstration of respect for others and others' belongings is a wonderful tool to help you gain respect for yourself and your belongings.
To assist children in learning about privacy be sure your children have at least two main privacy areas:
- A special place, a room or at least a corner of a room to call their own.
- Special possessions, personal toys and treasures they do not have to share unless they want to.
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