How do we, as parents, navigate consent within our families? In the eighth episode of the Parent Project Podcast, parents and grandparents speak of the fine line between holding up boundaries, expectations and responsibilities within the family, while offering kids the opportunities to practice consent. Have a listen to gain insight into ways that you can bring the language of consent into your family life.
For the longest of time, consent was something a lot of people connected to sexual relationships. Consent within the family wasn’t much of a topic. ‘My house, my rules’ was commonly uttered in households back in the days, while young parents now ask their babies if it’s all right to change their diapers.
Daniel Squizato, who had a two-year-old at the time of the recording, calls practicing consent with his son a fuzzy balance. “Our little one is just in the throes of understanding the word no. How do you respect their own individual personhood, while you have to make them do things like brushing their teeth and going to sleep?”
When it comes to health and safety, we still expect that children, toddlers and teenagers, will do things we want, without giving consent. “Until they can pay their own dental bills, they have to brush their teeth. That is my responsibility,” says Laura Sol in this episode.
“Stop sweating the small stuff, that’s what it comes down to”, adds podcast host Kate Nash. “I try to practice offering my kids consent options when it comes to the things that aren't, about their health, or having to do household chores like dishwashing. They can choose what pajama to wear for example, or wear the same outfit three days in a row.”
Want to know more about this interesting topic? You can listen to the eighth episode of the Parent Project Podcast here (or in your favourite podcast app).
For each episode of the Parent Project Podcast, host Kate Nash curated games, activities, resources, reflections and family practices to use, listen to, and do at home.
Reflection:
Consent is an agreement between family members with the goal of making each other feel heard, safe, and comfortable. Consent is not just about sexual intimacy; it is about navigating personal boundaries and treating others with respect.
Answers these questions:
What is your definition of consent?
How do you look for consent when navigating boundaries in your home?
Where is the line between respecting your kids’ boundaries versus pushing them for what they maybe need?
What are some tools for practicing consent in your home?
Watch:
Kate Nash talks about consent in everyday life
Practice:
Talk about consent as a family:
Have you ever really wanted a sibling to play a game with you and they wouldn’t?
Has it made you mad or upset?
Have you felt like, if you can convince them, or make them understand they will change their mind?
Draw a picture or write about what it feels like when someone does not want to do what you want.
Picture: White.Rainforest / Unsplash
This podcast is sponsored by Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.
