Let’s talk about something big.
Yes, even a little scary.
But don’t worry—we’re here to make it smart, simple, and empowering. 💪

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and while the topic can feel heavy, it's also an opportunity. A chance to equip kids with the tools they need to stay safe, speak up, and thrive in their bodies.

At My Little Yoni, we believe that education is protection. When kids understand their bodies and their rights, they’re more confident, more secure, and way better prepared to handle unsafe situations.

Here’s our guide to raising body-smart kids. Awareness isn’t just for adults. It starts young, and it starts at home.

1. Start Early, Keep It Simple

The best time to teach body safety? Now. Whether your child is 3 or 13, it’s never too early—or too late—to start these conversations.

Don’t wait for “the talk.” Instead, think of it as a series of age-appropriate mini-conversations. Little lessons that build over time.

Example:
At age 3, you might say:
💬 “Your body belongs to you. You get to say yes or no to hugs.”

At age 8:
💬 “If someone touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to tell a grown-up you trust.”

At age 11+:
💬 “You have a right to set boundaries in friendships and relationships. Saying no is a full sentence.”

Body-smart messaging grows with your child—and so does their confidence.

2. Use the Right Words

Let’s drop the euphemisms. No more “cookie,” “private parts,” or “down there.”
Start when kids are young enough to name their body parts and teach them proper anatomical terms.

	When naming the genitals for kids with a biologically male body, we use the terms penis and testicles or scrotum. Technically, the testicles are the inside part (they feel like a peeled boiled egg), and the scrotum is the skin or sac on the outside that holds them. Learn more by reading our book "Yoni Magic: The Spectacular Truth" (Ages 3-5+).
	When naming the genitals for kids with a female body, we use the terms vulva and vagina. Ideally, we should start off talking about the vulva as the outer part, and the vagina as the inside part.  If you want to transform an uncomfortable topic into a world of superheroes and vulva pride, "Yoni Magic: The Amazing Truth" will be your practical and fun guide. (Ages 3-5+).

When kids are younger, start with questions like, “What terms are we going to use?” and “Who gets to see who undressed?” As kids age, the questions change accordingly.

Use as many teachable moments as you can find. 

If your child wants to be in a bedroom by themselves, explain it as a matter of privacy versus secrecy, saying: “Privacy means you get to do it by yourself, but Mommy and Daddy know about it. Secrecy means that we don’t know about it, and our family doesn’t practice secrecy. Our job is to keep you safe, and secrecy is not ok."

Why it matters:

• Kids who know correct terms (like “vulva” or “penis”) are less likely to be targeted by abusers.
• If abuse does happen, they can communicate clearly and be taken seriously.
  
  

You don’t need to be an expert! You just need to be open and honest.

3. Teach Consent From the Start

Consent isn’t just about sex. It’s about respecting boundaries—physical, emotional, and social.

Give him examples of what consent looks like. 

Try saying, “You know when I ask you for a kiss? That’s me asking for your consent!” Reinforce that consent is a choice people make without coercion, manipulation, or impairment. You can explain this to your son by saying, “If you told me, ‘No, mommy I don’t want a kiss’, and I keep asking and asking until you give in, that’s NOT consent! YOU have to make the choice by yourself.” Explaining consent in a way that’s easy for him to understand will help solidify these concepts. Also, remember this isn’t a one-time conversation but a conversation you will continue to have and reinforce over the coming weeks, months, and years.  

Be sure to tell your child that consent can be given and taken away at any time. Again, put this into an example your child can understand. You can say, “Sometimes you think you want carrots, but when you try them, you realize you don’t like them and would rather not eat them. Should I still force you to eat those carrots? NO! That’s what it’s like with consent, you can change your mind at any time.”  

Discussing this important part of consent helps your child avoid confusion later on in life. Even adults have trouble grasping this concept. So, teaching your child early on lays a strong foundation. 

💡 MLY Tip: Model consent at home. Ask for your child’s permission before helping with private care tasks (like wiping or bathing). Respect their “no” whenever possible.

4. Listen to Their Gut

One of the most powerful tools we can teach kids? Body intuition.

We all have that little voice inside that says, “Hmm… this feels off.”
That’s their gut instinct—and it’s worth listening to.

Help your child recognize the signs:

• Butterflies in the tummy
• Feeling “weird” or uncomfortable
• Wanting to leave but not knowing why
  
  

Then say this loud and clear: “You never have to ignore that feeling. You can always come to me.”

That’s how trust grows—and how kids stay safe.

5. Talk About Safe vs. Unsafe Touch

Not all touch is bad. But some touch is not okay—and kids need help telling the difference.

Safe touch:
✅ Feels good or neutral
✅ Happens with permission
✅ Respects body boundaries

Unsafe touch:
❌ Makes your child feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable
❌ Is kept secret or forced
❌ Happens in private or without consent

Ultimately, kids need to know from an early age that they have agency over their bodies. That means parents should never insist that kids kiss or hug people, whether it’s an aunt or uncle at Thanksgiving or the charming babysitter.

And remind them:
“Even if someone says it’s a secret, you can always tell me.”

Explain the matter of privacy versus secrecy, saying: 

“Privacy means you get to do it by yourself but Mommy and Daddy know about it. Secrecy means that we don’t know about it, and our family doesn’t do secrecy. Our job is to keep you safe and secrecy is not ok."

6. Empower, Don’t Scare

It’s easy to let fear take over when talking about sexual assault. But the goal isn’t to terrify kids—it’s to prepare and empower them.

Let them know:

• Most people are safe and kind.
• If something ever does happen, they won’t be in trouble.
• They will always be believed, supported, and loved.
  
  

Reassure your child that their safety is your priority—and they are never alone.

7. Practice Real-Life Scenarios

Role-play is a fantastic way to build skills. It helps kids feel more confident in speaking up when it really matters.

Try acting out:

• Someone is asking for a secret hug
  
  

• A peer teasing about private parts
  
  

• A trusted adult making them uncomfortable
  
  

Let your child try different responses: 

🙅 “No, I don’t like that.”
🏃 “I’m going to find my mom.”
📣 “I’m telling a safe adult.”

The more they practice, the more natural these words will feel.

8. Check In Regularly

Sexual assault awareness isn’t a one-and-done topic. Life changes, feelings shift, and new questions pop up.

Create space for regular check-ins:

 💬 “Has anything made you uncomfortable lately?”
💬 “Do you feel safe with the people around you?”
💬 “Is there anything you’ve been wondering about your body or relationships?”

Stay calm. Stay curious. Stay open.

💡 MLY Tip: Let your child lead the discussion. By positioning your child as the commander of the conversation, you can let them lead the way, so they can set healthy boundaries in terms of what they’re willing to talk to you about. This can help to ease the awkwardness and help them to feel more in control of the discussion, which may make them more receptive to what you have to say.

Awareness Creates Safety

Sexual Assault Awareness Month reminds us that knowledge truly is power.

And when that knowledge starts early—at home, with loving caregivers—it becomes lifelong protection.

So, let’s raise Body Smart Kids together.

Let’s give them the tools, words, and confidence to stand tall in their truth.

Because every child deserves to feel safe in their body, today and every day.

Want to keep the conversation going?
Explore more MLY resources at My Little Yoni, and follow along for more tips on raising empowered, body-smart kids 💖