Supporting Inclusion and Respectful Curiosity at School

At our school, we are committed to helping students learn how to treat one another with kindness, empathy and respect—especially when they notice differences in how people look, move, communicate, or behave.

Young children are naturally curious. They often observe things they don’t understand and may ask blunt or very direct questions. While their intent is usually innocent, these questions can sometimes feel hurtful or uncomfortable for the child involved.

To support all students, we teach our classes about the importance of:

⭐ Inclusion

Everyone belongs. People learn, communicate, and move in different ways. These differences make our community stronger.

⭐ Respectful Curiosity

It’s natural for children to wonder about things they notice. However, some questions—especially those about someone’s body, medical needs, or private routines—should not be asked at school. We are helping students learn the difference between kind questions and private questions.

⭐ Privacy and Dignity

We’re teaching students a simple rule: If a question is about someone’s body or medical needs, we don’t ask it. Instead, we focus on kindness and connection.

⭐ What to Say Instead

Students are learning positive ways to interact without focusing on differences, such as: “Hi!” “Do you want to play?” “Can I help you with anything?”

These are the kinds of questions that help children build friendships and show respect.

⭐ Supporting Children Who Feel Upset

Some children may feel sensitive when peers ask personal questions about themselves or a family member. We want parents to know that we are here to support them through:

individual wellbeing check-ins
strategies to help them feel confident and safe
simple scripts they can use when questions feel uncomfortable
close communication with families

⭐ How Families Can Help

You can support these conversations at home by:

reinforcing that differences are normal and valued
reminding children that private topics stay private
encouraging kindness, empathy, and inclusive play
practising respectful ways to ask questions
celebrating the unique qualities of your family

We deeply appreciate the partnership between home and school in helping all students feel welcomed, respected, and supported. If you ever have concerns about your child’s social experiences or wellbeing, please reach out—we are here to help.

🌟 FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS: Supporting Respectful Curiosity at Home

Children are naturally curious about the world around them—including how people look, move, communicate, or behave. Curiosity is normal and healthy, but sometimes children’s questions can unintentionally hurt or embarrass others, especially when they’re about someone’s body, disability, or private needs.

This fact sheet is designed to help families guide children toward kind curiosity and respectful conversations.

1️⃣ Why Children Ask Personal Questions

Children notice differences before they understand them.
Their questions are usually not meant to be unkind.
They use questions to make sense of the world.
They may ask aloud because they lack impulse control or social filters.

Your reassurance and guidance make a big difference in helping them learn what is appropriate to say.

2️⃣ Talking to Your Child About Differences

You might say:

“Everyone’s body works differently.”
“People have different needs, and that’s okay.”
“We don’t need to know everything about someone to be kind to them.”
“Differences make our world interesting.”

Reinforce that all people deserve kindness, privacy, and respect.

3️⃣ Teaching the Difference Between Curiosity and Privacy

Curiosity is normal. But not every question needs to be asked — especially in public.

Teach children:

👉 If a question is about someone’s body, medical needs, or toileting, it is private. 👉 If you think a question might make someone embarrassed, don’t ask it.

Instead, focus on:

saying hello
inviting someone to play
asking a friendly, non-personal question
showing kindness

4️⃣ What to Do When Your Child Asks an Inappropriate Question in Public

Stay calm, and gently redirect. For example:

“That’s not something we ask about. Let’s talk about it later.” “Some things are private. We don’t comment on people’s bodies.” “Let’s be kind instead.”

Later, in private, explain why the question might have been hurtful or inappropriate.

5️⃣ Helping Your Child Respond When They Feel Uncomfortable

Children may also experience unwanted questions or comments about themselves or a sibling.

Teach them simple responses like:

“That’s private for my family.”
“I don’t want to talk about that.”
“Everyone is different and that’s okay.”

Encourage them to seek help from a teacher if they ever feel upset or unsafe.

6️⃣ Encourage Inclusive Behaviours

Families can support inclusion by modelling:

kindness
empathy
welcoming others
not staring
not whispering about differences
celebrating diversity

An inclusive attitude at home helps build an inclusive school environment.

🌟 CHEAT SHEET FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN

Simple language for quick use at home or school.

✨ For Parents: What to SAY in the Moment

When your child asks a personal question about someone:

✔ Quick Redirects

“That’s private. Let’s talk later.”
“We don’t ask questions about people’s bodies.”
“Let’s focus on being kind.”
“Some things are not our business.”

✔ After the Moment (when you're alone)

“Questions are okay, but not all questions should be asked in public.”
“How someone moves, talks, or looks is their personal business.”
“We treat everyone with kindness, even when we don’t understand.”

✔ When comforting a child who feels embarrassed or upset

“It’s okay to have big feelings. I’m here.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong by being curious—now we know how to handle it next time.”
“You can always come to me if something feels uncomfortable.”

✨ For Children: What to SAY When You’re Curious

Teach your child:

❌ Don’t ask:

Questions about bodies
Questions about nappies, toileting, or medical equipment
Questions that might embarrass someone

✔ Instead, you CAN say:

“Hi!”
“Do you want to play?”
“What’s your favourite game?”
“Can I help you with anything?”
“Everyone is different and that’s okay.”

✨ For Children: What to SAY if Someone Asks Them Something Personal

Useful if a child or their sibling has additional needs:

“That’s private for my family.”
“I don’t want to talk about that.”
“Please stop asking.”
“Everyone is different.”
“I’m going to play now.”

And: 👉 “I can ask a teacher for help if I feel upset.”

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