Teaching Kids About Good Touch and Bad Touch: Empowering Regency Anantam Young Minds by Kanchan Anavkar, Founder of Tiny Tots Day Care

Creating a Safe Space for Children: Insights from Kanchan Anavkar, Founder of Tiny Tots Day Care

At Tiny Tots Day Care, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, secure, and valued. This belief drives our commitment to educating children about personal safety and awareness from a young age. Recently, Kanchan Anavkar, the founder of Tiny Tots Day Care, conducted a comprehensive awareness session focusing on critical topics surrounding child safety and well-being.

Motive: Empowering Kids with Knowledge to Prevent Abuse

The primary goal of this session was to educate children on recognizing potentially harmful situations and empower them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. Understanding that children learn differently at various developmental stages, we divided the session into two parts, tailored specifically for children aged 3-6 years.

Session for Children Aged 3-6 Years: Understanding Good Touch and Bad Touch

For our youngest learners, the focus was on simple, clear concepts that they could easily understand and remember.

1. Good Touch / Bad TouchWe introduced the concept of good touch and bad touch through interactive storytelling and role-playing. Using age-appropriate language and physical demonstrations, we taught children to differentiate between touches that are appropriate and those that are not. The children were encouraged to trust their instincts and were taught to recognize the feeling of discomfort as a signal to act.Key Actions: If a child feels uncomfortable with a touch, they should:
   • Say “No!” loudly.
   • Run away from the person.
   • Tell a trusted adult immediately.
2. Body Shaming: Building a Positive Self-Image from a Young AgeBody shaming can start very early, and children often mimic the behaviors and attitudes they observe at home. During the session, we discussed the importance of fostering a positive body image and treating everyone with kindness and respect.For Parents: It’s crucial to model positive behavior and refrain from making negative comments about one’s own or others’ appearances. Children are always watching and learning from their parents and caregivers.
3. Washroom Safety: Ensuring Supervision for Young ChildrenSafety extends to every part of a child’s day, including trips to the washroom. We emphasized the importance of adult supervision for children aged 3-6, particularly when they are outside the classroom. It is vital that a teacher or a designated female staff member accompanies young children to the washroom to ensure their safety.Key Takeaway: Children in this age group should never go to the washroom alone. It is the responsibility of the staff to ensure the child’s safety at all times.

Topics Covered for Older Children: Expanding Safety Awareness

As children grow, the scope of their world expands, and so do the potential risks. Our session for older children included a broader range of topics, emphasizing personal safety in various environments.

1. Eve Teasing and Bullying: Recognizing and ReactingWe discussed the importance of understanding and recognizing harassment, whether it’s verbal or physical, and how to react if it occurs. Children were encouraged to speak out against bullying and report any incidents to a trusted adult.
2. Safety in Public Spaces: Awareness of SurroundingsWe provided detailed descriptions of potential risks in public places, such as shopping malls and school premises. We emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, particularly in secluded areas like corners and large, vacant washrooms.
3. Human Trafficking: Educating on Stranger DangerHuman trafficking is a critical issue, and children need to be aware of the dangers posed by strangers. We taught them to avoid talking to strangers and to never accept rides or gifts from people they do not know.
4. Helpline 1098: Knowing Where to Get HelpChildren were introduced to helpline number 1098, a dedicated line for child emergencies. Knowing this number can be a lifeline in situations where they feel threatened or unsafe.
5. Understanding the POSCO Act: Legal Protections for ChildrenThe Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act is a comprehensive law designed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. We briefly explained this law to the children, ensuring they know that there are legal protections in place to safeguard their rights and well-being.
6. Self-Defense Tricks: Empowering with Basic TechniquesTeaching children basic self-defense moves can empower them to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. We conducted a small workshop to teach some simple self-defense tricks, boosting their confidence and awareness.
7. Encouraging Outdoor Sports: Building Strength and Reducing Screen TimePhysical activity is not only vital for physical development but also plays a significant role in mental health. We stressed the importance of enrolling children in outdoor sports to foster strong physical development and reduce excessive screen time.
8. Internet Safety: Monitoring Digital InteractionsWith the increasing use of digital devices, it is essential to educate children about the dangers of the internet. We highlighted the importance of parental supervision when children use the internet, especially in closed rooms. Parents were advised to have access to their children’s social media accounts and monitor their online interactions to ensure their safety.Key Rule: Safety comes first. Parents should always have passwords to social media accounts and monitor their children’s online activities closely.

About Kanchan Anavkar

Kanchan Anavkar began her career as a teacher at Mahesh Tutorials, where she developed strong communication and organizational skills. Transitioning into the financial services industry, she has over 12 years of experience as a Loan Specialist, with expertise in data accuracy, credit analysis, and loan management. Throughout her career, Kanchan has excelled in roles such as CRM Loan Manager, Loan Manager, and Business Development Manager, demonstrating her ability to manage complex transactions and build client relationships. Her knowledge of credit procedures and dedication to service make her a valuable asset in any team. As a Mortgage Loan Professional and Real Estate Advisor, Kanchan is committed to delivering exceptional financial services with a positive attitude.

About Tiny Tots Day Care

Tiny Tots Day Care is a welcoming and flexible childcare center dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. We offer full-day and hourly daycare services from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, with extended hours until 9:30 pm if parents are delayed. Our daycare program includes various activities such as washroom training, nap time, study and homework sessions (coordinated via WhatsApp with parents), dance, drawing, painting, and playtime, ensuring a balanced routine for every child.

In addition to our daycare services, Tiny Tots offers Zumba classes for ladies, held from Tuesday to Sunday. We have two morning batches from 6:30 am to 7:30 am and 7:30 am to 8:30 am, and an evening batch from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, providing a fun and energetic way to stay fit.

We also provide tuition classes for students from 1st to 8th grade, scheduled from Monday to Friday during study time. Classes for 1st to 4th graders are from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and for 5th to 8th graders from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, offering focused academic support in a comfortable setting.

On weekends, Tiny Tots hosts special classes for creative expression and physical activity. Our drawing class, open to all ages, takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Additionally, we offer a dance class exclusively for kids from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, perfect for little ones to learn and enjoy dancing in a fun environment.

At Tiny Tots Day Care, we strive to provide a comprehensive range of services that cater to the needs of both children and parents, fostering a community where learning and fun go hand in hand.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is a collective responsibility that requires proactive efforts from both parents and educators. By educating children about personal safety, body positivity, and internet awareness, we can create an environment where they feel secure, valued, and empowered to speak up.

Kanchan Anavkar and the team at Tiny Tots Day Care are committed to fostering a safe and nurturing space for all children. Let’s work together to build a future where every child feels protected, confident, and loved.