Good Touch, Bad Touch

In this simple and engaging guide, Mandee and Bobby explain “good touches” (hugs and kisses from family members, a pat on the back, a handshake, or a high five) and “bad touches” (a hit, slap, punch, kick, bite, hard pinch, shove, or grabbing, tugging, scratching, tripping, or choking). They describe how to recognize each kind of touch, the differences between them, and how to respond.

Then Bobby and Mandee talk about private areas and what to do if someone touches you in those places (“Tell a trusted adult! It isn’t your fault!”). They explain that it’s not okay to keep a secret about private areas, even if the person who touched you says that bad things might happen if you tell.

When it comes to bad touches, Bobby triumphantly concludes, “Whether it is a stranger, or someone you know well, the rules to be safe are always the same: Say no! Run Away! And find a grown up friend to tell!”

Author and former Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn recommends that parents read this book with their children and encourage teachers to share it with the class!

Helpful features include:

• Bobby and Mandee’s Touch Test – an 8-question quiz along with a page number for each answer
• 911 Tips for Parents – a guide for teaching kids when and how to dial 911
• My List of Safe Grown-ups to Call – a blank form that parents and children can fill out together

Good Touch/Bad Touch is third in the series of Robert Kahn’s Children’s Safety Books, which also includes the books Too Safe for Strangers, Too Smart for Bullies, and Don’t Hide Abuse.