Do not force your children to give hugs or kisses to people when they do not want to.
All content shared with children must always be age appropriate. For example, your pre-schooler doesn’t need to know the details of sexual functioning. Make it a habit to answer these queries clearly and concisely, using simple terms. Even if a child is manifesting with homosexual ideations, one needs to listen empathically and sensitively. Your child should never be made to feel ashamed for his or her curiosity. Don’t react with anger, surprise, disgust or embarrassment. * Don’t laugh or giggle even if the question is silly or is completely based on a myth. * Expect questions: The questions your child asks and the answers that are appropriate to give will depend on your child’s comprehension, maturity and age. * Explain the concept of privacy and body space: It is important to teach your younger children to give older siblings their privacy. Also, teach your child which parts are private (e.g. Making up names may give the child the idea that there is something bad about the proper name. * Use appropriate language: Teach children proper names for all body parts - including words like ‘genitals’, ‘penis’, ‘vagina’, ‘breasts’ and ‘buttocks’.