The Consent Guidebook Quotes

“Waiting to teach about consent to young adults is too late. Consent-related behaviors should begin when children begin to talk and communicate their needs. Children who are raised in an environment that demonstrates, teaches, encourages, reinforces, and expects respectful social/human interaction is key. Allowing children to beg until they get what they want may seem like the norm in many families, but as you may imagine, it can set them up to believe that it’s normal to beg for what they want until the other person gives in. It boils down to allowing them to coerce a person. Coercion is never okay. When seeking to fulfill a desire or need it’s imperative that children are taught to ask first. May I….? Will you….? Would you like to….? Do you mind if….? These questions should be regular parts of their repertoire as they are growing up. Respectfully accepting the response they receive is equally important. Let’s not forget that it is also important for parents to respect their child’s level of comfort with social interaction and expressing affection. Shaming a child for not hugging or kissing a relative is contrary to what we should be teaching. If we expect them to respect the feelings and comfort level of others, we must do the same for them.” - Molly J Wray, Health Teacher”
― Erin Tillman, The Consent Guidebook: A Practical Approach to Consensual, Respectful, and Enthusiastic Interactions