How can I teach my child to say "no" and "don't touch me"?

Teach it on the foundation of body rights—your body is your own, and it's okay to refuse when you don't like something. Prepare "no," "stop," and "don't touch" in the form your child can use—words, hand signs, or cards—and practice in play. Repeated experiences of an adult stopping immediately when told "stop that" during tickling, for example, let them feel that refusing is respected. Deciding on an adult they will always tell when someone won't stop, or tells them to keep a secret, is also important for safety.