During our childhood, it was pretty much accepted for daughters to reciprocate affection from adults, whether they liked it or not. Non-consensual kisses to grandparents and forced „thank yous“ were the norm. However, times have changed, and parents are now advocating for their children’s autonomy. This shift in parenting style can lead to awkward or uncomfortable situations, as seen in a recent incident shared by a mom named Liz Kindred.
Kindred detailed an encounter where a grown man complimented her six-year-old daughter in a line. Despite the child being shy and grabbing her leg, the man persisted with his remarks, even commenting on her appearance. Kindred, practicing restraint due to her 12-step program, tried to diffuse the situation with a polite smile. However, the man’s comment about her lack of manners prompted her to speak up in defense of her daughter’s boundaries.
In a TikTok video that has gone viral, Kindred shared the exchange and how she firmly but politely addressed the man. The video sparked a discussion among parents who shared similar experiences where their children established boundaries in uncomfortable situations. Some recounted how their kids boldly rejected unwanted compliments, showing a strong sense of self-awareness and autonomy.
While the response to Kindred’s video was mostly positive, there were some comments defending the man’s intentions as being „kind.“ In a follow-up video, Kindred explained her decision further by sharing her own experiences with seemingly innocent compliments that later turned into uncomfortable situations. She emphasized the importance of teaching children, especially daughters, to listen to their bodies, set firm boundaries, and provide language around discomfort from a young age.
Kindred’s message resonated with many, highlighting the difference between being nice and being kind. She stressed the importance of empowering children to assert their boundaries and speak up when they feel uncomfortable. By instilling these values early on, parents can help prevent their children from facing similar challenges in the future.
In conclusion, Kindred’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting children’s boundaries and teaching them to advocate for themselves. As parents, it is crucial to support and empower our children to assert their autonomy and speak up when they feel uncomfortable. By fostering a culture of consent and respect from a young age, we can help create a safer and more empowering environment for our children to navigate the world.
