How to Respect Your Childs Privacy
As parents we normally don’t realise how our children don’t stay as babies they have always been. We at times overlook the fact that they also have some “secrets” and their growing bodies also need to be respected as they move into adulthood.
Here are a few tips on how we can respect their privacy at different stages of their lives.
Toddler 4-6 year old
1. This is the stage when they start noticing that when someone is in the toilet they need to close the door, at this stage it is polite to knock on the door if you need something in the bathroom whilst they use the toilet as they are also trying to understand the privacy principles.
2. Explain events and occasions to them and ask for their permission to share a secret if there is something you feel other siblings or family to know
School going age 6-11year olds
1. At this age they have more defined friendships and its the stage when they can be embarrassed and hurt if their little secrets are exposed. For example if they are still wetting their beds, they would not want you saying in front of her friends.
2. Knocking their bedroom door would also be appreciated as at times they might be sharing time with their friends and might not want to be disturbed.
3. Seeing their naked bodies might start getting uncomfortable and they usually like to be warned when you are entering, though might still be allowed at this stage.
12-14 year olds
1. At this stage, they can see the great changes especially at 13, they are confused about the changes, they feel guilty about the sexual feelings they have started to feel.
2. Privacy is very important at this stage as they want to spend more time by themselves to adjust to the new changes.
3. This is also the great time to discuss how the body is changing and how they need to communicate about all their issues.
