Ages 6 to 9
For parentsAt this age the lessons come from you. Each one is a short conversation you can have at dinner or in the car, with questions to ask and something to try together.
What they're ready to learn
Life lessons for 6–9
The uh-oh feelingTeach your child to trust the feeling that something is wrong and to judge people by what they ask them to do, not by whether they know them. NCMEC's four rules (Check First, Take a Friend, Tell People No, Tell a Trusted Adult) and a firm "no secrets about bodies" rule give them clear steps to follow.11 sourcesDraft · DraftingTeasing or hurting?Teasing is OK when it's playful and both kids find it funny; when it becomes hurtful, keeps going, or one side has more power, it has crossed into bullying and needs to stop. Teach your child to hear another child's "stop," to imagine how the other child feels, and to make it right with a real apology.11 sourcesDraft · DraftingTelling isn't tattlingTattling is reporting a small problem that's safe and that a child can handle themselves; telling is letting an adult know when someone is hurt, about to be hurt, or needs help. Children can also step in by saying "stop," helping the targeted child walk away, and being a friend to them afterwards.10 sourcesDraft · Drafting
Is your school teaching this?Questions to ask your child's school, a letter you can adapt, and ways to help.Ask your school
Coming later: for kidsShort videos and stories children can watch or read with you. Until then, every lesson here is written for you to share in your own words.
Last updated [not yet reviewed]Reviewed by Stacy WillisSummarized from public sources with the help of AI, reviewed by Stacy Willis.How this site is made