Trust Your Instincts: Teaching Children to Listen to Their Gut Feelings for Safety and Confidence

One of the most powerful safety tools a child has isn’t something we can see—it’s their intuition.

That “uh-oh” feeling in the stomach. The sense that something isn’t quite right, even if they can’t explain why. These gut instincts are often the brain's early warning system. And for children, learning to trust that feeling can be a lifesaving skill—especially in preventing abuse and unsafe situations.

For parents, caregivers, teachers, and child protection professionals, teaching kids to recognize and honor these feelings should be part of every safety conversation.

Why Gut Feelings Matter

Children are naturally intuitive. They can pick up on tone, body language, or situations that feel “off.” But too often, adults accidentally teach kids to override those signals:

• “Don’t be rude, give Uncle a hug.”

• “You’re overreacting.”

• “You’re fine—don’t be dramatic.”

Messages like these send a dangerous lesson: Don’t trust yourself.

When children learn to ignore their gut feelings, they’re more vulnerable to grooming, manipulation, and abuse. But when we validate those feelings, we teach them that their body is theirs to protect and their inner voice matters.

Core Concepts to Teach Kids

Here’s what every child should understand early on—and revisit often:

1. Feelings Are Clues

Explain that feelings like nervousness, fear, or confusion can be the body’s way of warning us. Use simple examples:

• “If someone you don’t know tries to touch you, and it feels wrong—that feeling is important.”

• “Even if someone says they’re being nice, if your stomach feels funny or tight, trust it.”

2. No One Has the Right to Make You Feel Unsafe

Kids need to know that they can say no to anything that makes them uncomfortable, even if it’s coming from an adult or family member.

3. You Don’t Have to Explain Your Feelings

Sometimes kids hesitate to speak up because they don’t have “proof” something is wrong. Make it clear:

• “If it feels wrong, that’s reason enough to tell me.”

• “You never have to stay in a situation that feels bad in your body.”

Tips for Parents and Professionals

1. Use Everyday Moments to Build the Skill

Encourage children to notice how their body feels in different situations. Was their stomach tight when a stranger came too close? Did their chest feel calm when they were around a trusted adult?

Naming these sensations builds awareness.

2. Reinforce That Speaking Up Is Always Safe

Let them know: even if they misunderstood or got something wrong, you’re glad they told you. Reassure them they won't get in trouble for sharing uncomfortable feelings.

3. Use Role-Play Scenarios

Practice “what if” situations. “What would you do if someone asked you to keep a secret that made you uncomfortable?” “How would you respond if someone touched you in a way that felt wrong?”

The Long-Term Benefits

When children learn to trust their instincts, they’re:

• More likely to resist grooming tactics

• More confident in making safe choices

• More resilient in challenging peer or adult dynamics

• More likely to disclose abuse early, before harm escalates

This one skill—taught consistently and supported by the adults around them—can transform the way a child navigates the world.

Final Thought

Your child’s gut feeling is not a guess—it’s their internal compass. And just like any other skill, trusting that compass can be nurtured.

In a world where not every adult has a child’s best interest in mind, one of the most protective gifts we can offer is this simple but profound message: ""If it feels wrong, it probably is. And you can always come to me.”