As parents, we want to teach our children about the world — both about the wonders of it, but also the dangers it poses. Starting conversations about body autonomy, their personal safety and how to deal with strangers through reading children’s books is an effective way to educate them about these issues.
Why Should We Teach Kids About Personal Safety?
Our job as parents is to prepare our children for the world around them and equip them with the tools and language to understand potential dangers. Young children may not have the understanding or words to say what is wrong, but books can help guide them through concepts and give them words to help communicate their worries.
7 Best Children’s Books About Safety
There are many excellent books that talk about important safety topics in a way that is accessible to children to help start those important conversations. Here are some of our favorite books about safety for preschoolers.
I Can Be Safe by Pat Thomas
This lovely book is written in simple, direct language that addresses children’s fears and gives them practical ways to be safe. It focuses on road safety, such as looking both ways before crossing the street and what to do in an emergency situation.
Not Everyone is Nice by Frederick Alimonti
This book is great for teaching beginning a conversation about strangers and safety.
It teaches children what to do if a stranger approaches them, and reminds them in non scary but clear ways that not everyone who acts nice is safe.
No Dragons at Tea by Jean E. Pendziwal
This book is a great way to teach young children about fire safety and is often used by fire departments. It tells the story of a playful dragon who accidentally sets the table on fire. The rhymes and playful pictures make learning about fire safety memorable and fun.
Be Careful and Stay Safe by Cheri J. Meiners
This is a great book for kids starting school. It teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, how to ask for help, and the importance of following directions. It uses language that is clear and appropriate and will help kids stay safe without scaring them.
My Body! What I Say Goes! By Jayneen Sanders
Teaching body safety at a young age is very important. This book helps children learn about body autonomy and about safe and unsafe touches. It also helps them find their voice and how to express themselves if they are feeling uncomfortable.
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders
This book is an essential read for parents, caregivers and their children. With its beautiful illustrations, the book is a helpful tool for parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare professionals to start a conversation about safe and unsafe touches in a non-threatening and age-appropriate way.
I Won’t Go With Strangers by Dagmar Geisler
This book uses humour to help children understand stranger danger. It follows the story of a young girl deciding who a stranger is as she waits for someone to take her home.
How Vivvi Keeps Your Child Safe
Your child’s safety is our top priority at Vivvi. All of our early childhood educators are trained to recognize the stages of a child’s social and learning development and work to support them where they are. The Vivvi Learning Model fosters children’s innate curiosity about the world around them. Schedule a virtual tour today to learn more about our safety policies and see our school in action.