Mrs.+Woodward

Protecting God’s Children – Touching Safety Program __(Mrs. Woodward, School Counselor)__

Boundaries: The //limits// that define one person as separate from another or from others. There are boundaries you cannot see with your eyes, like the comfort zone around each of us that we call our “personal space.” Another example of an invisible boundary is a //secret.// Other boundaries, like walls and fences, are clearly visible. One important personal boundary that each person has is the skin that covers our bodies. Our skin defines our bodies and protects our bodies from harm by germs and bacteria.

Limits: The point or edge beyond which something cannot go; the furthest edge of something.

Secret: Something that is hidden from others or that is known only to two people or to a few people at the most.

Some boundaries, limits, and secrets are OK and are not meant to be harmful. Others can be very harmful, so it is important to notice our reactions and instincts as we interact with other people. We can learn to recognize appropriate boundaries and begin to trust our instincts when something just doesn’t feel right. Someone might do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused, or just plain yucky.

When we say “uncomfortable,” we aren’t talking about a chair that’s not soft or waiting until the end of class to use the restroom; instead, what we mean by uncomfortable is when “something just doesn’t feel right.”

It is good to learn to listen to that little voice inside our head and to trust that “uneasy feeling in our gut.” That little voice or uneasy feeling is a warning sign that something is wrong.

This is one of the great gifts God gave to each person to help us live safe, healthy and happy lives. It’s important to RESPECT YOUR OWN FEELINGS (and treat them as if God were actually talking to you), so you can TAKE ACTION IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY to keep yourself safe from harm.

Remember, healthy boundaries are good! - Boundaries define us as individuals and help bring order to our lives. - Boundaries determine how we allow others to treat us. - Boundaries determine how we treat others.

We can protect ourselves when someone violates our boundaries. - Speak up and tell the person “NO!” - Let the person know you want them to stop what they are doing. - Get away from the person; find a //safe adult// to tell what happened. - Having an adult to trust (to place your confidence in) is important.

Safe Adults (and Friends): People who won’t hurt, confuse, or scare you on purpose. Safe adults and friends can be trusted to respect your wishes, and the rules of your parents/guardians. These are people who have proven themselves trustworthy by behaving honorably in the past. They also have your best interests at heart; they listen to you, treat you with respect & try to help.



Happy Bear visits Holy Family School...

Notes from the Counselor, Mrs. Woodward... =** CHARACTER COUNTS! ** ** TIPS FOR PARENTS: "The 6 Pillars of Character" ** =