Teaching Consent in Preschool

Teaching Consent in Preschool

It is hard to broach some subjects in an early childhood setting and consent is one of those topics, but it is important that we push past the uncomfortability for the sake of a child’s safety.

Children are sponges who begin absorbing the world around them at birth. It is vital that we begin teaching the importance of boundaries and consent in the early years when children are experiencing their most significant developmental growth.

Parents, caregivers and early childhood educators play a crucial role in this process, teaching children the attitudes, beliefs, and customs of the world around them. These lessons must include respect.

Teach Empathy: Explain to a child how their actions affect others. And, encourage them to help others in need.

Avoid Stereotypes: Don’t say things like, “Boys will be boys”, “He teases you because he likes you”, or “Big girls don’t cry.” These clichés normalize and make excuses for abuse.

Believe Children: Always take your child seriously. Children are not the people of tomorrow; they are fully formed humans today. Treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Never Force Kids to Hug or Kiss: “Give grandma a kiss!” “Sit on Santa’s lap or he won’t come for Christmas.” Seriously? Don’t force a child to perform an intimate action against their will. Instead of telling them, ask them. If they say no, respect their wishes.

Teach ‘No’ and ‘Stop’: The words ‘no’ and ‘stop’ are key parts of consent. Children need to learn two lessons here: first, to use these words when they do not like what is happening, and second, to respect these words when someone says them…no matter what.

Always Ask Before Touching: It is never OK to touch another person without asking them first. It is important to teach children this concept and to model it as well.

Use Proper Names for Private Parts: Give children the vocabulary they need to report abuse by teaching them the proper names for their genitalia. This will help to remove the stigma commonly associated with their private parts as something to be ashamed of.

Together, we can raise children who respect themselves and others.