Why Not Hugging Grandma is OK! Tips To Teach Kids Bodily Autonomy
The setting is a common one this time of year: you’re getting ready to leave a holiday gathering and it’s time to say your goodbyes. You begin to make the rounds and inevitably goodbye hugs and kisses are exchanged. For parents, this portion of the event can be a source of dread; how do you navigate others’ expectations of “proper” goodbyes while respecting your child’s bodily autonomy (their ability to control who touches them and when)?
Mom Talk: Teaching Consent to Toddlers
Last weekend I experienced one of my proudest parenting moments to date. At a friend’s birthday party, an adult guest was tickling my 2.5 year old kiddo. When my kiddo said “stop” the tickler did not stop. Frustrated, my child called out loudly, “When someone says stop, you stop!” The adult recoiled in a mixture of shock and shame. Inwardly, I beamed with pride. I had just witnessed my 2.5 year old child explain the basic concept of consent to an adult.