Nursery World - A touchy subject

Our dilemma over touching children is complicated by ideas of the natural, the technical and what is risking prosecution, says a report by Heather Piper and Hannah Smith We live in a culture where adults are becoming increasingly fearful of touching children. Even in a professional context, practitioners are faced with a dilemma of how and when to touch. Some argue that this cannot possibly be good for children, who need touch as part of their healthy sensory development.

We live in a culture where adults are becoming increasingly fearful of touching children. Even in a professional context, practitioners are faced with a dilemma of how and when to touch. Some argue that this cannot possibly be good for children, who need touch as part of their healthy sensory development.

In the past it has been assumed that it is more damaging for a child to be touched too little than too much. Literature concerned with the caring of young children promotes cuddles and holding and stroking as good childcare practice. However, there is now an emphasis on the primary carer and family members being the main touch givers.

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