10 DosDo Teach “Ask First”: Show them how to ask before hugging, taking a toy, or doing something with someone else.Do Explain “Stop Means Stop”
10 Dos
- Do Teach “Ask First”: Show them how to ask before hugging, taking a toy, or doing something with someone else.
- Do Explain “Stop Means Stop”: Teach that when someone says “stop,” they must immediately stop what they’re doing.
- Do Use Simple Words: Use easy phrases like “You can say no.”
- Do Respect Their Choices: Show them it’s okay to say “no” if they don’t want a hug or a kiss.
- Do Teach Sharing Boundaries: Help them learn to say, “Please don’t touch my toy” or “I’m not ready to play now.”
- Do Celebrate Positive Consent: Praise them when they ask permission or respect someone’s “no.”
- Do Encourage “Checking In”: Teach them to ask, “Are you okay?” or “Do you still want to play?”
- Do Model Respect: Show respect for their boundaries to help them learn how to respect others.
- Do Use Storytelling: Share simple stories or role-play to help them practice consent in play.
- Do Teach Safe Touches: Explain what safe and unsafe touches are in an age-appropriate way.
10 Don’ts
- Don’t Force Hugs or Kisses: Let them decide if they want to show affection, even to family members.
- Don’t Dismiss Their Feelings: Take their concerns seriously when they express discomfort.
- Don’t Ignore Their “No”: If they say no to something, respect it to model that no always means no.
- Don’t Say “Be Nice” at All Costs: Teach them it’s okay to refuse things that make them uncomfortable.
- Don’t Punish Saying “No”: Allow them to say “no” respectfully without fear of getting in trouble.
- Don’t Assume They Understand: Break concepts into simple, clear, and age-appropriate ideas.
- Don’t Downplay Personal Space: Teach that everyone needs their own space and it’s okay to protect it.
- Don’t Use Scare Tactics: Teach about consent positively and without fear or shame.
- Don’t Allow Hurtful Behavior: Stop actions like hitting, grabbing, or taking things without asking.
- Don’t Skip the Conversation: Don’t assume kids are too young to learn about consent. Remember that children with disabilities are at heightened risk for non-consensual harm. Talk to these children early and often.
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