One of the most important safety issues that a girl can learn is that her body is her own space and that, as such, no one has a right to make her feel uncomfortable.

Identify Private Areas
Years before the "Birds and Bees" discussion takes place, girls need to begin to understand their bodies as a private place. By the age of 5 years old, your daughter can learn that her "private areas" are those areas covered by a bathing suit. Explain further the limits of who might be allowed to touch her in these areas and for what specific purposes, and what should take place is someone attempts to touch her in a way that makes her uncomfortable.

Don't Make Her Hug Aunt Susie or Uncle Bob
Children start to become confused about their bodies' boundaries when adults tell them to do what is uncomfortable for them, in the name of "being nice." Never force a child to give a hug or a kiss to a family member or friend.

In fact, it is strongly advised that your daughter be asked if she would like to give a hug or a kiss to a family member or friend (preferably before the greeting or parting moments), rather than be told that she should.

If she clearly feels discomfort when another person attempts to hug or kiss her, put your fears of insulting the other person aside and let them know that your daughter typically does not kiss or hug people outside of immediate family members or that she does not feel very close to. Don't sacrifice your daughter's sense of security to save the other person's discomfort.

When your daughter learns to keep her body within the boundaries of privacy that feel comfortable for her, she learns respect for her body's instincts and senses, consequently increasing her safety in the world.