If you need to touch a child's body for a demonstration, what should you do first?

To ensure a child's comfort, understanding, and sense of autonomy when touching them for a demonstration, it is paramount to first explain the purpose of the action. This approach builds trust and allows the child to feel safe and informed about what to expect. Demonstrating the action on oneself serves as a visual aid, which can help clarify the procedure and reduce anxiety.

By asking for permission afterward, it empowers the child and reinforces their right to consent, making it clear that they have control over their own body. This is especially important in child welfare and protection practices, where maintaining a child's dignity and personal autonomy is a critical ethical principle. Respecting a child's boundaries fosters a respectful and trusting relationship, which is fundamental in any interaction within child welfare settings.