Despite how long ago it was, I still remember how creatively I was taught about consent. It was when my dad showed me how ‘touch me not plant’ enclosed its leaves on being touched. The word consent was not introduced to me back then, but he made sure that I understood the value of physical boundaries. Any physical interaction, whether it is a hug, kiss, a kiss, or even a handshake, requires consent. The importance of affection in a child's development cannot be denied, but it should not be at the expense of making them uncomfortable. This makes consent the key, not only for establishing healthy relationships but also to make kids aware of their rights and sense if they are made the victim of any physical abuse. Now the big question – teach your child about consent?

How to do it? Of course, through consent conversation and making sure that you don’t miss out on these aspects:

1. 1. Knowledge Of Bodily Autonomy

No, we don't expect your preschooler to know what this word means right now, but we do want you to explain it to them. Teach them that they are the owners of their bodies and that they have the authority to decide who is authorised to touch them. They have every right to refuse if they are uncomfortable with someone touching or forcing affection on their own property, their bodies.

Recommended reading: Teach Your Child About Good Touch And Bad Touch

2. Voicing Up

Now that you've taught your children that they have sole authority over themselves, show them what to do if they refuse to provide consent. It's critical to say no firmly without feeling guilty. Now that you've taught your children that they have sole authority over themselves, show them what to do if they refuse to provide consent. It's critical to say no firmly without feeling guilty. Prepare them for such hard times and that they voice up and approach you for help if something like that occurs.

3. Introducing Empathy

Consent is a two-way street, therefore teaching youngsters to put themselves in someone else's shoes is crucial. This ensures that they understand both the consent receiver's and the consent giver's perspectives. It's also crucial to recognise that not everyone is capable of saying no. If you notice someone becoming uncomfortable in such a setting, don't cross that line.

4. Respecting a No

For someone who grew up watching Bollywood movies, it was not unusual to see someone forcing their love and affection without the other person’s consent. What they failed to portray was that consent is not only respecting one’s own body but others’ bodies as well. The owner of the body always has the final say on how and when they want to be caressed and loved, based on their personal preferences. It's also crucial to recognise that kids, too, can hear a "no," which must be acknowledged.

5. Show Not Tell

How can you expect your child to understand the nuances of consent if you don't practise them yourself? Parents sometimes, unwittingly, disregard their children's consent. Consider the times you forced your youngster to embrace a relative or friend despite their apprehensions. So, the next time your child says no to things like that, respect their decision. This way, you practically show them how the process of consent works and that’s how you will teach your child about consent.

To Conclude,

So, as you can see, teaching about consent isn't rocket science if you make it a part of every day activities by asking for their consent on minor matters. The most basic concept of consent is respecting each other's limits and not acting against their wishes. As the child enters their teenage years, introduce them with sexual consent to save them from misinformation. A conscious effort from your end not only makes a child aware of their right but also saves them from being victims of various child abuses. 

Recommended reading: Top 5 Books To Teach Your Child About Consent

Source url:-  https://raisingchildren101.com/how-to-teach-your-child-about-consent/

 --

As a parent, you receive lots of parenting advice, but the new generation needs the best advice to thrive. Raising Children 101 helps parents raise their children in a positive and healthy way.

Visit www.raisingchildre101.com to know more.

For more info:-

Best Parenting Advice

Good Parenting Tips