Yes Means Yes: An Introduction to Consent and Boundaries

Product Description

This is the book you have been waiting for! Yes Means Yes: An Introduction to Consent and Boundaries is the first book on the market to directly introduce young children and their parents to the important concepts of consent and boundaries in a fun, non-judgmental and natural way.

Yes Means Yes takes one of the most basic tasks of childhood – learning to ask for permission – and applies it to consent and healthy boundaries. We teach kids early and often to ask politely for nearly everything. Remember raising your hand in class so you may be excused to go the bathroom? Or someone saying, “No snack right now, dinner is in thirty minutes.” Sometimes when a child is truly hungry, we still ask them to wait just a little bit longer until mealtime because we know it won’t actually hurt them to wait.

We also know how important it is for our little ones to learn to be patient and respectful of others. We even teach them to ask pet owners for permission before reaching out to a friendly dog or cat. However, we often do not teach kids the very basics of consent when it comes to their own bodies or other people’s bodies.

Most books directed at children about healthy boundaries and safe touch emphasize teaching a child how to protect and defend themselves from unwanted touch or recovering after an incident or abuse has already happened. This can be scary and confusing to children. It can even cause them to believe they are to blame if something bad happens, especially if they were too scared or confused to say “No” or if the person they want to say “No” to is someone they love. Yes Means Yes discusses consent and personal empowerment at the same time because it is possible and preferable!

Yes Means Yes will help you establish healthy boundaries in your home, classroom, and communities early and easily. This book addresses the enthusiasm, curiosity, and occasional impulse control problems that can make it difficult for children to keep their hands to themselves. Yes Means Yes celebrates the wonderful and infectious energy of a child, while helping them understand and empathize with others.

So don’t wait until your little one hits puberty, start the conversation today when it is relaxed and natural! Order this book, put it into your reading rotation, and practice talking about, and asking permission for, a hug or kiss today!

About the Author

Christine Babinec is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor practicing in Portland, Oregon. Her work is rooted in social justice and Chris has devoted her career to working with survivors of trauma and abuse. Chris is also the mom of two kids! She loves all things Wonder Woman and sci-fi. Chris and her family can often be found in the forest or on the side of a mountain-hiking, camping, and adventuring.

christinebabineclpc.com

Meredith Hamm is an artist, illustrator, writer and educator. She likes making stuff and helping people exercise their own voices and inherent creativity. When she is not in the studio or teaching, she loves being outside, enjoying gardening, dogs, and people.

meredithhamm.com & couchyempire.com