TikTok Mom Shares How Easy It Is to Teach Kids Consent, and Everyone Is Loving Her Lessons
Teaching kids consent is essential and not complicated.
One of the most essential life skills for kids to learn is consent. However, consent isn't just about what you do to others; it is also about learning to set boundaries for what others can do to you.
As important as it is to teach kids to share and not to touch people when they do not want to be touched, it is equally important to teach them to set boundaries regarding what they allow others to do to them. It may sound complicated, but it will make a world of difference in helping a child establish healthy boundaries.
This mom shares her strategies on TikTok, and they are simple, easy, and the kids seem so happy!
Who is picking out the clothes?
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTokKid will? Okay!
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTokAsking them lots of questions and giving them choices is key.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
Do they want help, or do they want to do it themselves?
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
And accept their answer!
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
Ask what you can do for them, rather than just doing it.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
And accept their answer.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
This is the easiest way to model consent and healthy behaviors.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
Yes!
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
And stop tickling when they want (and actually stop!!!)
This teaches them that it is okay to change their minds and revoke consent.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
Even simple things like asking if you can hug them...
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
This teaches them that they have bodily autonomy and that their opinions matter.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
She even shares what to do when the kids can't do something themselves.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
Keep them involved in the process.
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
!! This is so important!!
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
The simple method!
@once.upon.a.mama on TikTok
Everyone loved the methods shared!
There are more over on her profile, too.
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This method removes some of the problems that are usually inadvertently taught: centering the child as the decision-maker for themselves.
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Giving them choices is key!
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Providing them choices on essential tasks is a great way for them to remain involved, teach them consent, and still get it done!
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What do you think? Do you wish you had been taught about consent like this? Do you have any strategies? Share them in the comments below.
Find valuable insights on teaching kids about consent from experts like Dr. Lawrence Cohen, child psychologist, who emphasizes the importance of open communication in parenting: "Teaching consent is about fostering respect and understanding in children." For more resources, you can also explore Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist, who notes, "Empowering children with the language of consent helps them navigate their relationships safely."
