I Don’t Want To Hug Aunt Myrtle: A Consent Lesson From Kids To The Adults Who Love Them.

Posted by Nichole Brown on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

Some kids in my branch asked me to tell you this grown-ups. Please listen.

The children in my branch have asked me to tell you this: They don't want to be required to be hugged, kissed, pinched, or petted by family this holiday season.

This is an important worry for some kids during the holiday season. Relatives from all over the world meet up and everyone loves the children, but the children are not comfortable (yet) around the extended family members.

Here are some examples I was given (family members names changed of course):

  • Your kid doesn't want to hug Aunt Myrtle.
  • They hate it when Grandpa Joe pinches their cheeks or rubs their hair.
  • They don't want to want give Grandma Martha any "suga".
  • And your kid don't care if cousin Pam hasn't seen the family since last holiday season, they don't want her to tickle them.  

Your kids are not afraid. They just don't want to be touched by a bunch of relatives they haven't seen since last December. They just want adults to respect their personal space. ( And some hate to be tickled) 

Someone might be asking: "But, if these adults are safe, why shouldn't my child show them affection? " or "Isn't it rude not to hug a family member?'  

No it is not rude to not hug a family member if you don't want to.  Your body belongs to you, no matter how old you are.  Here is a video that explains everything very nicely:

And this folks, is the very first lesson you can teach your child about consent. If you want your children to grow up appreciating consent within an adult perspective, we adults must start appreciating consent within a child's perspective.  Please, on behalf of the kids who asked me to post this blog, give them the power to say no.

Do you want to empower your child and teach them about personal space?  Here are some more books to consider: