Thane: ‘Mom, what is rape?’ inquired eight-year-old Prathamesh Kulkarni, with his eyes fixated to the television flashing the news about the gory incident at Kathua and Unnao.It’s not just Prathamesh, like him there are several other kids who want to know what is all this being shown in the news for last so many days. Psychiatrists and mental health experts feel parents should not shy away from such questions, in fact should be ready to answer them and explain the difference between a good touch and a bad touch.Dr. Shailesh Umate, psychiatrist at Institute for Psychological Health. “Since the incidents at Kathua and Unao many parents have called us seeking advice on how to handle such topics with their kids. We tell them not to make the child uncomfortable. Instead explain them about bad touch and good touch,’’ Dr Umate said.He added that children above the age of 12 years could be explained how forcible touching of the private parts amounts to rape.The specialists stated that availability of technology has made gathering formation very ease. if today parents don’t answer the questions, kids will learn things on their own and coould do it the wrong way.“Parents should not come under too much stress and in fact go for counselling if such incidents are bothering them, making them over protective about their kids. They should not restrict kids and not allow them to play or go anywhere out, by giving them phone or gadgets instead, this would hamper the personality of the child as the kid won’t get the adequate freedom which is needed. Also, if they are panicking or getting too anxious, then should seek out an expert’s help,” added Dr. Umate.

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