EP.14 Body Safety Starts Young with Playgroup Navigator Mary Douglas

Talking about body safety with young children can feel challenging, but it’s a critical part of helping them grow up safe, confident, and supported. In this episode, we’re joined by a Family Support Navigator who shares practical, age-appropriate ways to introduce body safety concepts to children ages 3–5. Together, we explore how to use correct body part names, teach children that they are the boss of their own body, and help them understand boundaries in a way that feels simple and not overwhelming. We also talk about how to explain private parts, the difference between safe surprises and unsafe secrets, and how to support children in identifying trusted adults they can turn to. 📌 Show Notes & Resources Parent Resources: Darkness to Light (D2L): https://www.d2l.org/ A national organization focused on child sexual abuse prevention, offering free downloadable guides on boundaries, recognizing grooming behaviors, and how to talk with children at different developmental stages. Stop It Now: https://stopitnow.org/ Offers conversation scripts, family safety planning tools, and guidance for navigating concerns, including a confidential helpline for parents. Children’s Books About Respect & Consent: Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman C is for Consent by Eleanor Morrison Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison Books About Body Parts: Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts by Dr. Gail Saltz Who Has What? All About Girls' Bodies and Boys' Bodies by Robie H. Harris