In my family, we don’t force our kids to hug or kiss<\/a> family members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s why: Forcing physical affection<\/a> teaches our kids that they aren’t in charge of who touches their bodies. If one of our kids ends up in the horrible situation of having an adult touch them in an inappropriate way, we want our kids to feel confident in saying no and getting the heck outta dodge to a safe place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My husband and I have people in our lives who were abused as children, so we are dead serious<\/strong> when it comes to teaching the concept of consent<\/a> and keeping our children safe from that fate. It’s also important to remember that the vast majority of sexual abuse of children occurs with adults the child already knows, and you can’t tell an abuser just by looking at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think we’re overreacting? Here are three important things<\/a> you should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus:<\/strong> As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, get a free printable<\/a> coloring page to teach your child this magic phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n