As a Prevention specialist, my job is to have meaningful and engaging conversations with youth about subjects that can often feeling awkward, daunting, or complicated: touches, feelings, bodies, and more! Luckily, we have lots of tools to help us out, from books to activities and videos. In this list, I will talk about a few of my favorites, the lessons they teach, how I use them, and ways you can use them, too! Let’s start with books:
Uncle Tony’s Tickles: A Child’s Right to Say ‘No’ by Marcie Aboff – This picture book is featured in Care for Kids, a K-2 program, in the first lesson, ‘Asking for Help’. The book follows a story of a young boy named Kyle, who likes his uncle, but dislikes being tickled by him, as it makes his sides and belly ache—a feeling many young children who have been visited by The Tickle Monster can relate to! In figuring out how to navigate Kyle’s dilemma, children learn several concepts that are crucial when applied to sexual abuse prevention:
- It is okay to dislike certain types of touches.
- Others being okay with certain touches does not mean you have to be okay with the touch.
- You can always talk to an adult about touches that you don’t like, even if you think it’s ‘not a big deal’ or ‘not serious’. This is key, as many children are led to believe that their abuse is normal or a game.
- Adults should listen when you say ‘no’ to touches.
- If an adult doesn’t listen when you say ‘no’ to being touched, you can say it loudly and firmly. If they still do not listen, you can go ask another trusted adult for help.
- Your body belongs to you.
More information from the author: https://www.marcieaboff.com/uncle_tony_s_tickles__11433.htm
Purchase the book: Uncle Tony’s Tickles
We use the book in our Care for Kids program, which can be facilitated individually or in group settings, including classrooms, after-school and daytime childcare programs, and more. Reach out to jwecker@sarccheals.org (Lebanon County) or cgeary@sarccschuylkill.org (Schuylkill County) to learn more!
