Teaching Kids About Consent Starts Early 🤝 Physical consent is just as important for kids as it is for adults. Setting the foundation now teaches children that their boundaries matter—and it helps them respect the boundaries of others, too. Here’s how you can foster healthy boundaries: ❌ DON’T: Force physical affection. 👉 DO: Offer choices like a hug, high-five, or wave and let them decide what feels right. ❌ DON’T: Guilt them into saying yes. 👉 DO: Normalize saying no. Say, “It’s okay if you don’t want to hug. How about a smile or a quick wave instead?” ❌ DON’T: Override their boundaries. 👉 DO: Validate their feelings. Try, “It’s okay to feel unsure. You can decide when you’re ready.” ❌ DON’T: Teach that kindness = physical affection. 👉 DO: Explain that kindness comes in many forms, like using kind words or helping others, not just hugs or kisses. ❌ DON’T: Dismiss others’ boundaries. 👉 DO: Model respectful behavior. Say, “It looks like they don’t want a hug right now—why don’t you ask first?” It can be tricky to set and hold these boundaries when you’re around relatives who might feel that hugs or kisses are “just the polite thing to do.” Grandparents, aunts, or uncles may not always understand why you’re encouraging your child to decide how they want to greet someone. It’s not about being disrespectful—it’s about teaching your child that their boundaries matter. Want more tips for setting boundaries, especially during the holidays? This week’s newsletter dives into how to handle family gatherings while prioritizing your child’s comfort and fostering better conversations with relatives. Comment or DM me “NEWSLETTER LINK” to subscribe and get my biweekly emails packed with helpful parenting advice. Which of these consent tips will you try at your next family gathering? Let me know in the comments! Please make sure to share this in stories or send