Model the consent behaviour you hope to see in your kids by asking before a hug or a kiss, or if you can join them in their room to play with them. This will naturally teach children about consent. "Teach them to always ask permission — regardless of whether they are hugging a friend or playing with someone else's toys, asking permission reinforces the importance of choice," Raheel Karim, MD, a psychiatrist at Pall Mall Medical, told POPSUGAR. "As a parent or caregiver, you should also model this behaviour."
Asking permission goes into other areas as well, according to Dr. Karim, including washing private parts. "Encourageing your child to wash their own genitals instills that this part of their body is private," he said. "If you do need to help them, ask their permission."
Finally, asking permission means if your child says "no," respect that. "Rather than ordering your child to hug or kiss family members goodbye, give them a choice," said Dr. Karim. "Affection should not be forced, and if your child only feels comfortable with a high five, handshake, or simply saying 'goodbye,' you should accept this."