Caring for Kids is a monthly article series by early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children’s Centers.

Body autonomy is about having control over what happens to your own body. It's the ability to say "yes" or "no" to physical contact and to understand that your feelings and choices matter. Teaching children about body autonomy helps them grow into confident and respectful individuals.

Why Is Body Autonomy Important for Kids?

Teaching kids about body autonomy means helping them know their bodies belong to them and should be treated with respect. This builds self-confidence and helps them have healthy relationships as they grow.

Christine Snyder, the Director of Child and Family Care, explains: "We often think about consent as a topic for older children or even just between adults but early on in infancy, we can begin facilitating the ability to distinguish between self and others, how to communicate preferences verbally and nonverbally, set and honor boundaries, and establish relationships of trust and respect."

5 Easy Tips for Parents and Caregivers

• Show Respect in Your Actions: Set a good example by always asking permission before giving a hug or a tickle. This shows children that asking for consent is important.

• Teach Kids to Speak Up: Help children learn phrases like "No, thank you" or "I don't like that." This helps them express their feelings and set boundaries.

• Listen and Respect Their Wishes: If a child says they don't want a hug, respect their decision. This teaches them that their feelings are important and valid.

• Encourage Talking About Feelings: Create an environment where kids feel safe to talk about their feelings and boundaries. Ask them questions like, "How did that make you feel?"

• Educate on Body Safety: Teach kids about personal space and that certain parts of their body are private. Use age-appropriate books or videos to reinforce these ideas.

By teaching children about body autonomy, we help them understand the importance of consent and respect from an early age. These lessons help them become caring and respectful adults. Starting this learning in infancy allows kids to grow up feeling empowered and respected, knowing their choices and voices matter.

Additional Resources

For more information and tips on teaching body autonomy, check out these resources:

• Seven Steps to Teaching Children Body Autonomy
• Consent at Every Age | Harvard Graduate School of Education 
• 8 Ways to Teach Kids about Consent and Healthy Boundaries
• Autonomy in Children: How To Start Talking To Your Kids About Consent
• High five or hug? Teaching toddlers about consent | ZERO TO THREE
• Teaching Body Autonomy to Children with Special Needs