Mum Explains Why Grandparents Don't Have The 'Right' To Hug Her Baby Daughter

Tiktok / @brittanybaxter_x

A mother has recently expressed that her daughter's grandparents are not entitled to give her hugs without prior consent.

As every parent has their unique approach to parenting, some may choose to be authoritative while others may opt for a more amicable relationship with their child. 

Nevertheless, all parents share a common goal - to provide their children with the best possible upbringing and instill significant life lessons in them.

In this instance, the mother has made it her mission to teach her young child the importance of giving and obtaining consent.

Australian resident Brittany Baxter has taken the internet by storm with a viral TikTok video wherein she emphasizes that adults do not have the liberty to hug or kiss their child without consent.

Baxter firmly believes that individuals must seek permission from her child before initiating any physical contact with them. 

Her video has sparked an online discourse on the significance of respecting boundaries and obtaining consent, particularly in terms of physical affection.

In the video, which has been viewed almost 800,000 times, Baxter says: 

"Can we please start normalizing the fact that kids do not have to kiss in front of adults?

Tiktok / @brittanybaxter_x

"My daughter's almost two years old, and I've been in the process of teaching her consent basically since the day that she's been born.

"I find it really f***ing unhelpful when the adults in her life are like, 'What?! We have to ask for a kiss and a hug?' even though I've explained why multiple times."

In her TikTok video, Baxter further elaborates on her stance by emphasizing that her daughter's body is not meant to be used to make anyone feel comfortable or loved. 

She firmly believes that everyone, regardless of their age or relationship with her child, must seek consent before touching her daughter.

She says to her followers: 

"It is not her fault and it's not my fault that the older generation haven't taken the time throughout their entire lives to learn how to regulate their emotions so consent doesn't continue to be overlooked."

"No one's feelings are ever going to be more important than my daughter's right to her own body and I'm sure as s*** not going to allow her to grow up in an environment where, one, she doesn't know how to say no.

"Two, she doesn't know what it looks like for her not to be respected."

She concluded her post by stressing that 'grandparents do better'.

People have praised the mum for teaching her daughter such an 'important' lesson.
 
One parent says: 

"Working on this with my two-year-old as well. We've had to reduce his interactions with my mother as she does not respect this. I feel no guilt."

Someone else added:

"This is so important! My husband and I are teaching consent as well. Recently, we started asking for hugs and kisses instead of saying 'give me a hug'."

However, some people believe she has gone too far with her views, one person writes: 

"My grandparents hugged and kissed me as they pleased and I have no issues telling someone to go away if I don't want to. This is just odd to me."

While other agreed: "How not to parent."

In a follow up video, Baxter provides insights into how she handles situations when someone violates her daughter's boundaries. 

She shares that she informs such individuals that they are "practicing family consent" and politely requests that they do the same. 

This approach enables her to address the issue without offending the other party while emphasizing the importance of respecting her child's boundaries.