Understanding the ‘Tummy Voice’: How Crystal Manning Helps Kids Trust Their Intuition

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, one of our most important tasks is to equip children with the tools they need to navigate the world safely. In a world full of both friendly faces and potential threats, how do we teach kids to trust themselves and their instincts? Crystal Manning’s book, Stranger Danger, introduces a concept that is not only simple but deeply empowering: the “tummy voice.” This concept serves as a powerful reminder for children to listen to their inner feelings, teaching them how to respond to situations where their safety might be at risk.

In this blog, we’ll explore what the “tummy voice” is, its significance, and how Manning’s approach can help children develop the confidence and awareness they need to protect themselves in potentially unsafe situations.

What Is the “Tummy Voice”?

At first glance, the term “tummy voice” might sound like something whimsical or playful, but it’s far from it. In Crystal Manning’s book, the “tummy voice” is described as a child’s inner sense or instinct—the physical feeling that alerts them when something doesn’t feel right. It’s the twist in their stomach, the sweaty palms, or the sudden urge to run away that signals something is off.

The “tummy voice” isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a real, physiological response to something that makes a child uncomfortable, scared, or uneasy. It’s the body’s way of saying, “Pay attention. Something needs your focus.” In Manning’s book, she encourages kids to recognize and trust these feelings, no matter how subtle or confusing they might seem. By doing so, children can make safer choices when they find themselves in uncertain situations.

Why is the ‘Tummy Voice’ So Powerful?

We all know the feeling. There’s a gut instinct that kicks in when something feels “off,” even if we can’t explain why. This is exactly what the tummy voice teaches children: that they don’t need to understand why something feels wrong to know that it is. Their body will tell them before their mind can make sense of it. And this is precisely the type of instinct that can help children avoid danger.

Manning’s explanation of the tummy voice is particularly useful in helping children distinguish between good and bad situations. In a world filled with strangers and unfamiliar faces, it’s easy for kids to be drawn into moments that might not feel right but are hard to explain. The tummy voice offers a simple yet effective way to give children the vocabulary to trust their instincts.

Tuning Into the Tummy Voice

One of the book’s most important lessons is how to help kids tune into their tummy voice. Manning doesn’t just talk about the tummy voice in abstract terms; she actively shows kids how to listen to their tummy voice. Through stories, such as the one about Lily and the playground puppy, children are taught to recognize when their tummy feels uneasy and then learn how to react to it.

For example, when Lily meets a man with a puppy at the playground, she feels a twist in her tummy, a sign that something isn’t right. She doesn’t need to have all the answers—just the recognition that her body is telling her to be cautious. And instead of ignoring that feeling or brushing it off, Lily uses it as a signal to walk away and seek the safety of a trusted adult.

This story and others like it in Stranger Danger are designed to reinforce that listening to your body is a brave, wise choice. The tummy voice isn’t something to ignore or dismiss—it’s a signal that should be acted upon immediately. For children, learning to trust this feeling is empowering, as it gives them the confidence to make decisions in real-time.

How the Tummy Voice Helps in Real-Life Scenarios

While the concept of the tummy voice is straightforward, it becomes highly effective when applied in everyday life. Manning’s book presents various situations in which children can use the lesson of listening to their inner voice. Whether it’s in the park, at the grocery store, or even in school, the tummy voice serves as a guide for when something feels unsafe or unfamiliar.

For instance, imagine a situation where a child is approached by a stranger offering candy. The child might initially feel excited or curious about the treat, but the tummy voice kicks in, sending a warning signal. The child might feel uneasy, sensing that something is off about the situation. Instead of ignoring these feelings, the child is taught to say no and walk away, seeking a trusted adult for support and guidance.

This simple yet powerful concept provides children with a concrete tool to protect themselves in various situations. It teaches them to stop and listen to their bodies, which is often the first step in avoiding harm.

The Importance of Trusted Adults

While the tummy voice is an incredible tool for self-awareness, it doesn’t stand alone. Manning emphasizes the importance of trusted adults—parents, caregivers, teachers, and others in a child’s safety circle. When children listen to their tummy voice and feel uncomfortable, the next step is to find an adult they trust to help navigate the situation.

This dual approach—trusting both their instincts and the trusted adults around them—forms a solid foundation for child safety. Manning makes it clear that while the tummy voice is a vital tool, it’s equally important to have a reliable adult in place who can step in when needed.

Teaching Kids to Speak Up

A crucial element in Manning’s book is the emphasis on communication. Children are encouraged to vocalize their feelings and concerns. It’s not enough to feel uncomfortable—they need to be taught how to express that discomfort clearly and assertively. Saying “no,” “I need to ask my grown-up first,” or “I don’t like that” are all phrases that empower kids to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

The more children are encouraged to practice speaking up, the stronger their confidence grows. The tummy voice, in tandem with these clear and decisive words, becomes an invaluable tool for child safety.

Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation

In a world that can sometimes feel unpredictable, the “tummy voice” is a tool that children can carry with them throughout their lives. Crystal Manning’s Stranger Danger teaches children how to trust their gut feelings, recognize when something isn’t right, and speak up for themselves. It empowers kids to make smart, safe decisions on their own and ensures they understand that their safety is always in their hands.

By combining the power of intuition with the support of trusted adults, Manning provides an effective and practical guide for keeping kids safe in a sometimes unpredictable world. Teaching children to listen to their tummy voice doesn’t just give them the ability to avoid danger—it gives them the confidence to know that they are in control of their safety.

So, the next time your child tells you their tummy feels funny around someone new, remember: they’re not just being shy—they’re listening to their “tummy voice,” a vital tool for safety. Encourage them to trust it, and teach them that they always have the right to speak up and seek help.