My Say, My Way

Hi everyone, I'm Luke Carroll, and today I'm going to read you a book called 'My Say, My Way'. But this is no ordinary picture book. This book is here to help you learn about your body, and safe and unsafe touch. Because when it comes to your body, it's My Say, My Way.

This is the story of Billy and Bindi. Billy likes toy cars. He makes them go 'vroom!' But he'd rather go fishing on Country than stay in his room. Bindi likes to play footy. She's got a great kick! She also enjoys painting with Nan and is learning real quick. 'We like to go to school and run and jump and play. But the thing we like best is learning culture our way!'

Billy and Bindi aren't just friends, they're cuzzies who've known each other forever! They live with Bindi's Mum and Dad, who keep everything together. Then there's Kirra, Bindi's sister, and her big brother Jed. And of course, there's Nan and there's Pop, who always wears a hat on his head!

Billy and Bindi are learning how to look after their bodies as they're growing. From brushing their teeth, to washing their hands, they're keeping clean, and it's really showing. But Mum wants to teach them something else today, so she pulls out a book. While Kirra is sleeping, she asks Billy and Bindi to come look. It's about keeping their body safe and is called 'My Say, My Way'.

'Let's read this together and learn what kind of touch is okay.' When girls and boys are born they have some body parts that are different, and some that are the same. Some of these are called private parts and they shouldn't cause you shame. Girls have nipples, a vulva, and a vagina too. Boys have a penis and two testicles - it's true! There are other private parts that both boys and girls have in common. Like their mouths, and of course, their bottoms!

Nobody is allowed to touch your private parts, and you shouldn't look at or touch any of theirs. If someone asks you to do this, say 'NO!' and tell a grown up that you trust. It's important that you share. A doctor might need to touch your private parts when you're sick and not feeling bright. It's okay as long as you give permission, and the grown up you go with tells you it's alright.

Dad joins them and asks Bindi and Billy who their safe people are. 'Can you name three of your safe people?' he asks. 'Are they near or are they far?' Bindi says, 'Mum, Nan, and Officer Culbarra, who talked to us at kindy about keeping safe and sound.' Billy says, 'Well, Uncle Ted, Coach Kev, and Miss Cathcart from the school, she's great to be around!'

'Remember to talk to a safe person if someone asks to see or touch your private parts,' says Dad. 'Anything that makes your body feel yucky is a warning sign. So telling someone "no" is never bad. If they tell you it should be a secret, remember that's not okay. And say to yourself, that's not right, it's My Say, My Way.'

Billy says, 'But what about the cake we're making for Jed's birthday? Isn't that a secret? Should I tell my safe people about that, or is that different?' Dad smiles and says, 'Jed's cake is a happy surprise that we all plan to share. But a secret is something that stays hidden and might make you feel scared. Tell your safe person about any secret, because that's not okay. And if they're not there, remember your voice and say, "No! My Say, My Way".'

'How does a hug from me make you feel?' Mum asks, holding them both tight. 'Happy, safe, like everything's alright!' Dad says, 'Trust what you feel,' and squeezes them tight. 'Your body will tell you if something's not right.' Our bodies are smart and can pick up early warning signs on the go. So to help tell if a touch is safe or unsafe, listen to your body's signals, 'cause they're trying to let you know.

A safe touch makes you feel warm and cozy inside, like when you hug a family member you trust, or give a friend a high five. An unsafe touch makes you feel yucky. It might make you get goosebumps or feel sick in the tummy. You might get sweaty palms, or your legs could wobble and shake. You might even need to wee or have a toilet break. Mum and Dad put the book down and say, 'If someone goes to touch you, always think, My Say, My Way.'

Billy and Bindi run out to the backyard and start climbing a tree. Nan watches from the side, bouncing Kirra on her knee. 'Oh, come on you two,' Nan shouts, 'People are coming for a feed - come say hi!' As Aunties, Uncles, and friends start to arrive, Billy and Bindi think about what Mum and Dad said, and what touches feel right to say hello and goodbye. They yarn with Nan, and she nods and tells them not to worry. 'When you say hello, do what feels right for you. Don't be sorry. Your body is yours, so remember every day, when it comes to touching my body, it's My Say, My Way.'

Bindi sees Uncle Ted and thinks, 'Oh, I don't have to kiss. Let's high five instead, just like this!' Billy sees cousin Jorden, and they give each other a fist bump and a back slap. 'Jorden's my cuz and my mate, he's great with a rap!' Bindi sees Miss Cathcart and gives them a smile and a big wave. They smile and wave back, and Nan says, 'See? Your way is always okay!'

As the sun sets after they've been playing all day, Billy and Bindi come together and shout, 'It's My Say, My Way!' And that's the end of the story.