Why teaching consent is so important for safety (Wednesday Wonderings)

Teaching consent can start at a very young age for children, even as young as babies.

For example, we may be faced with changing a nappy, but we can make a point of checking to see how that infant or child feels about what we are doing. Carefully observing their body language and any vocalisation that they might make, which could indicate that they feel safe and happy for that to happen.

Equally, we can notice if they are squirming, looking away, have a worried facial expression or making vocalisations which indicate discontent. And when we notice these types of behaviour from them, we can and should stop what we are doing.

Teaching children that their bodies are their own and that they have autonomy over their bodies could be one of the most important things that we ever teach them!