Understanding Boundaries: A Mother’s Stand on Consent for Her Child

A heartfelt discussion by a mother on social media has drawn attention, as she openly shares why her young daughter’s grandparents aren’t permitted to kiss or hug her without consent. This conversation has sparked quite a reaction, with many parents weighing in on this rather thoughtful parenting style.

Raising a child requires unique parenting approaches, each with its different style and vigor. However, one common thread among parents remains the same: the essential duty of safeguarding their children and imparting valuable lessons for life.

Meet Brittany Baxter, a determined mother from Australia, who is passionately teaching her young daughter about the importance of consent.

In a widely-viewed TikTok video, Brittany elaborates on how all adults, grandparents included, should rightfully seek her daughter’s permission before giving a kiss or hug. This heartfelt lesson in boundaries is gathering applause from various communities.

One parent chimed in saying, “This concept is crucial! My husband and I have also adopted the habit of asking for hugs or kisses rather than making it automatic.”

Echoing the sentiment, another parent remarked, “We are in the process of teaching our two-year-old about this too. My mother has been unaccepting, leading us to limit the child’s interaction with her, and I have no qualms about it.”

Nevertheless, Brittany’s stance does not come without its share of critics.

“This is how not to parent,” one audience member said, reflecting a contrasting perspective.

Another viewer nostalgically recalled, “My grandparents were free to hug and kiss me whenever, and I grew up perfectly capable of expressing my wishes, so I find this rather unusual.”

In her video, Brittany starts by asking, “Can we please normalize the idea that kids aren’t obliged to kiss in front of adults?”

She insists this teaching began at birth with her daughter, who is now nearing two years.

“It becomes quite challenging when adults around her respond with, ‘Really? We have to ask for a hug or a kiss?’ despite me explaining the reason multiple times,” Brittany explains.

She stresses that her daughter’s existence isn’t to appease others’ comfort levels, underscoring, “It’s not her or my responsibility that many older generations missed learning emotional regulation, leading to repeated neglect of consent.”

Brittany firmly declares, “No one’s feelings outweigh my daughter’s own rights concerning her body, and I absolutely refuse for her to grow in an environment where she doesn’t know the power of saying no, or what it means to have her boundaries respected.”

Her closing remark is a call to action – “Grandparents need to do better.”

In an additional video, Brittany explains her approach to individuals that overstep the boundaries with her child, opting to remind them they are ‘practicing family consent,’ and kindly requests a mutual adherence.