How About A High Five Instead?
Consent is important. The best part about consent is that it’s never too early to talk about it. Talking about consent with young people in our lives can give them the tools they need to have happy and healthy relationships. The video below introduces the topic of consent for kids.
This video is a great way to introduce this topic with children you know! We get it. This can seem like a tricky topic to navigate with someone so young. But we promise it’s easier than you think. Let’s break it down together.
What is consent?
Consent is “permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.” It’s simple! When we give people the power to choose, we are honoring their bodily autonomy. Bodily autonomy “is the right for a person to govern what happens to their body without external influence or coercion.” This means that everyone, including children, has the right to choose what happens to their bodies.
How can I practice consent with kids?
Consent is something that is so important, and it doesn’t just have to do with sex! When you ask a friend if they want to have coffee or if they want to watch a movie with you, you are asking for consent. Practicing consent in our day to day lives can prepare us to be pros. Here are some strategies to practice consent with the children in our lives:
Teach children to ask permission before hugging or embracing friends and family. This normalizes asking for consent and respecting other people’s bodily autonomy.
Teach the importance of “no” and “stop.” When someone says these words, it’s important to respect them.
Give kids the opportunity to say “yes” and “no” in every day decision making whenever it is appropriate. Let them choose what outfits they wear, what they play, or what books they read.
Don’t force a child to hug, kiss, or show affection to a family member or friend. Talk to your family and friends about the importance of consent and teaching it to kids from an early age. A child choosing not to hug someone is not intended to hurt anyone. Remember that people show affection in different ways!
Practice bringing up alternate options. For example, if someone asks for a hug, it’s okay to say “Can we high five instead?” This allows kids to practice saying no while bringing up something they are comfortable with.
You can practice consent with your kids, your siblings, your cousins or any other young people you may know. It’s important to build these foundational skills from a young age. When they are older, they will be equipped to have conversations about consent and sex. Ultimately, this is a way to empower the youth in our lives and show them that they have control over their bodies!