Most parents know that before a child turns three, several things need to be done: developing intelligence, building a sense of security, and learning basic self-care skills. However, many parents overlook one essential ability: teaching children to recognize their own bodies. A child is born like a blank sheet of paper. To survive, they need to understand the world, and the best way to begin is understanding themselves. When a child is born, everything in the world is unfamiliar. At this moment, besides their mother, they are most familiar with themselves. According to the laws of human cognition, understanding things should proceed from easy to difficult, from familiar to unfamiliar, following a gradual principle. Therefore, for a child to understand the world, they must begin by understanding themselves.
Why should children be taught to recognize their own bodies?
Currently, media reports of child sexual abuse and molestation are numerous. Many children who have experienced sexual assault or harassment are ashamed and afraid to speak out because they lack education and a sense of security in this area. Therefore, teaching children to recognize their own bodies early on is extremely necessary.
The appropriate age for children to recognize their body parts can be divided into the following stages, considering developmental characteristics and teaching methods:
6 months to 1.5 years: Early Learning Stage
Basic Cognition: This is the golden period for guiding babies to recognize their facial features and limbs. Parents can help establish initial associations through parent-child interaction, such as gently touching the baby's eyes, nose, ears, etc., while describing them verbally (e.g., "These are baby's little hands").
Recommended Methods:
Mirror Game: Let the baby observe themselves in the mirror and point out their facial features;
Bathtime Interaction: In the bathtub, recognize hands, feet, knees, etc., using the tactile sensation of water to deepen memory.
1 year to 2 years: Extension Stage
- Ability Enhancement: Children can gradually point to more body parts, such as hair, belly, etc. At this time, simple instruction games can be introduced (e.g., "Touch your ears") to consolidate cognition.
- Gender Differences Note: Boys may notice their genitals earlier (around 18 months), while girls may notice them slightly later, about 2 months later. This is normal exploratory behavior, and parents should guide them with a calm attitude.
2-3 Years Old: Deepening Stage
- Comprehensive Recognition: Children should be able to name most body parts, including internal organ functions (e.g., "I'm hungry," "My heart is pounding"). Systematic learning can be achieved through nursery rhymes, picture books, and other tools.
- Emerging Gender Awareness: Privacy education should be naturally integrated into this stage, such as explaining "which parts of the body shouldn't be touched by others," using engaging resources like "Body Recognition Nursery Rhymes."
From 0 Years Old: Sensory Exploration
Infants explore their bodies early through their mouths and touch (e.g., sucking their hands, grabbing their feet). This is a pre-cognitive stage, and parents don't need to intervene; simply ensure safety.
Teaching Suggestions: Short, Frequent Sessions Daily: A few minutes each time to avoid tiring the child.
Integrate with Everyday Scenarios: For example, identify the parts covered by clothing when dressing, discuss the functions of the mouth and teeth when eating.
Use Assistive Tools: Flashcards, nursery rhymes, etc., can enhance enjoyment.
In short, body recognition is a gradual process. The pace needs to be adjusted according to individual child differences. Early on, focus on parent-child interaction, gradually increasing complexity and scientific rigor later.
How to Help Children Understand Their Bodies
Start Education Early
Children's understanding of their bodies is a gradual process. Parents and educators should begin teaching children basic bodily knowledge from a very young age. Simple picture books and games can be used to introduce children to the basic organs and functions of the human body, as well as precautions for maintaining health.
Encourage Children's Involvement in Daily Care
Involving children in daily care activities, such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and bathing, can help them gain a deeper understanding of their bodies. During this process, parents can explain to children why these activities are necessary and their importance for health.
Answer Children's Questions
Children will have various questions about their bodies as they grow. Parents and educators should listen patiently and answer their questions. No matter how simple or naive the question, it should be taken seriously, and a correct explanation should be given to help children develop a correct understanding of their bodies.
Regular Checkups
Regular checkups are an indispensable part of maintaining good health. Parents should take their children to the hospital for comprehensive checkups regularly, allowing them to understand the condition of various aspects of their bodies and to detect and address potential problems promptly. Regular checkups can enhance children's awareness of their own health.
Conclusion
Some parents react with alarm when they see infants sucking their fingers, touching their bodies, or playing in water or mud, immediately stopping them. They believe this is dirty. Other parents, when their children ask questions related to their bodies and sex, often give vague answers, are unwilling to provide direct responses, and may even scold their children. In fact, this is related to parents' own sexual shame. This sense of shame is especially pronounced in people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder or excessive cleanliness.
Fortunately, more and more people, especially young parents, are learning in the process of raising children to understand and accept infants' exploration of their bodies, and to respect their feelings and needs. In accompanying their children as they grow, parents should help them establish correct body concepts and a sense of privacy. If parents feel overwhelmed, they can seek professional help for themselves and their children; this is undoubtedly the best love and responsibility parents can show their children.