Childrens Personal Space

Children’s Personal Space

Children need to have and understand boundaries. Children like to have a place that is their space and under no circumstances may anyone cross over into their space without their permission. Their space can be a variety of things. It can be a room, rug, pillow case, cubby whole or a certain spot in the house and most important “Personal Space”. I also use this with the daycare children when they are playing with a toy. Each child is allowed to find a space and some toys that they are playing with and use this space to play and not be interrupted with other children grabbing toys from them. This space is also good because the children only take toys they are going to play with and when they are done, they clean their space up before they get another toy out or do anything else. This also eliminates the, “I didn’t make that mess”,” Why do I have to clean up, it’s not my mess”?  Children at any time may share their space with a friend if they have a toy or toys they want to share and play with together. By teaching the kids “Personal Space” this allows them boundaries in life of whom they will allow into their “Personal Space” and who they will not allow in their space especially from people who make them feel uncomfortable or someone who feels dangerous to them. This is why it is so important for children to have their “Personal Space” to be respected. By having a space this allows the child to go in and out of their space at any time. Their space is not to be used as a “time out” or a “confinement” but a tool for them to use it when they want their boundaries to be respected and they want to feel safe. I tell the kids that if someone steps into their space, they are to tell them, “Stop please” or “No Thank You, you are in my space and you need to step back” This gives them the feeling of being in control of their personal space and feeling safe and if someone wants to come into their space then that someone needs to get the child’s permission. This is also important when it comes to a child’s body. Their bodies are their “Personal Space” too and their bodies need to be respected and no child or adult is allowed to hit, push, bite, or touch them in any way that can bring any harm to them or make them feel uncomfortable. When we are in our homes, we only allow people who share the same values as you do and will respect your home. When you go out and about you want people to respect your personal space as well, it’s the same for children.