Lately the talk in my country has been a lot about child abuse and domestic violence. We talk so much about teaching our children what is "appropriate touch" from "inappropriate touch." About what to do when this happens.
But there's another part of the scenario that we may overlook. Sometimes we forget to teach our children who, how, when and where (place and anatomically) to touch someone, whether adult or child.
Children are trusting and open. Until they have reason to do otherwise, they tend to be loving and friendly. Recently I met a little girl who was like that. But she was so 'friendly' that it became annoying and somewhat uncomfortable to me. Especially because when I told her to stop, she continued this behavior.
By nature, I am a very reserved person, not liking to be touched too much. But I know children can be demonstrative, but this little girl was a cause for concern.
I cannot conjecture anything out of her behavior. Maybe that's her personality. I know some adults who are very demonstrative tn this way. But not everyone appreciates or even likes being touched. And I believe that this little girl should be sat down and told in as simple words as possible the proper way to act around her peers and adults. She should be taught that not everybody is kind and friendly. That certain behaviors are only for family and trusted friends. That there are people out there who would construe her friendliness as a signal for ugliness and wickedness.
In all things we need be alert so that we can protect our children from harm.
"Train up a child in the way that he should go..."(Proverbs 22:6a KJV)
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