Posts tagged: consent
Why "In Their Culture, Touch Is Normal" Doesn't Settle It
Cultural norms around physical contact are real and worth understanding. They don't override what the person in front of you has said they want.
"I'm Just a Hugger" Is Not the End of the Conversation
The self-identification as a physically warm person functions as a social pass in a lot of contexts. Here's why it isn't one, and what it would actually look like to be a hugger who reads the room.
Why Personal Space Matters for Everyone
Personal space isn't a preference. It's a basic expectation that touches on safety, dignity, and how we function around other people, for anyone, regardless of who they are.
How to Help Your Child Use Their Voice in the Moment
Knowing they can say no is different from being able to say it when an adult is standing in front of them expecting a different answer. The practical version.
What Kids Actually Learn When Adults Override Their No
The lesson a child absorbs when an adult overrides their no about physical contact isn't 'just this once.' Here's what it actually teaches and why it travels.
Teaching Children to Respect Each Other's Space Early
Children learn the rules about touch and space from the adults around them. Getting those lessons right early is worth the effort.
The Family Friend Your Child Has Already Said No To
Not a relative, not a stranger. The family friend who's around often enough to matter and still doesn't get it. What to do when the situation requires more than hope.
What to Say to the Relative Who Was Hurt by Your Child's No
Your kid said they didn't want a hug. The relative is now sulking. How to handle their feelings without reversing the message you just sent your child.
What to Tell Your Child Before a Family Gathering
A calm conversation in the car on the way there is worth more than any intervention after the fact. Here's what that conversation actually looks like.