By Desiree Kaur
Photo credit: Makchic
Have you been in a situation, where someone wanted to give you a hug but you just did not want it? Imagine, what if, a child, your child, a friend’s child, a family member’s child felt this way but never spoke up. One in ten children in Malaysia are sexually abused and 95% of the abusers are known to the child (The Star, 2019). There is no denying, having the conversation on “safe touches” is challenging at any age, however, one can never start too early.
What if there was a place to start this discussion?
This is exactly the point of the book, What If? published by Makchic, a Malaysian parenting portal. The content was carefully put together by Kimberly Lee, Managing Editor of Makchic and Liyana Taff, Special Projects Director of Makchic. The content was also vetted by Thency Gunasekaran, educator, child right’s advocate and gazetted Assistant Child Protector. Let’s not forget the beautiful illustrations of Delia Razak, visual designer who enjoys storytelling projects.
What’s in What if?
It is a beautifully illustrated book, where parents can read alongside their children, page by page and ignite playful yet insightful discussions. Conversation prompts are available within the book with additional discussion guides at the end. It touches on personal space, emotions, suspicious behaviours, safe touches, saying no, consent, warning signs, private parts and secrets.
Inclusive content appropriate for all children
What if is also an excellent guide for parents and educators to use as social stories with special needs children. It could be useful to help our children communicate their preferences in terms of personal space, getting hugs or kisses and even indicating if someone is making them uncomfortable. Most importantly, this book helps adults guide children to realise, they have rights over their own body regardless their age.
Gone are the days where a child MUST allow a family member to hug them tightly or shower them with kisses as the child screams and squirms. It starts with the adults closest to the children to make them feel safe to communicate their personal boundaries. What if we could start today and now? Make our children feel safe, heard and understood.
Does What If have all the answers?
Do all books have all the answers? What if opens a doorway for communication. It helps parents tell their child, it is alright and safe to confide in a trusted adult. Every uncomfortable conversation must begin somewhere, so let What If be that conversation starter to educate.
What If? is available for sale online here, while stocks lasts. Visit Makchic’s Website here for more information about What If?
Project Haans is a self funded initiative. If you would like to support Desiree’s work and Project Haans, you can do so via BuyMeACoffee here.
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