Granny Says 3YO Granddaughter Doesn’t Know What She Wants, Insists On Kissing Her As She Says No
Consent is important, but it’s often a subject people get touchy about, especially regarding children. In families, relatives love doting on young kids and giving them hugs, cuddles, and pecks on the cheek. But if they’re told not to do these loving gestures, people tend to get angry.
This is something a woman struggled with while trying to teach her toddler about consent. Even when her daughter said no, the child’s granny kept trying to be affectionate. The woman wondered if she was wrong for not liking that behavior.
- Woman struggles with grandma not respecting her 3-year-old's consent, making her teaching efforts difficult.
- Experts state teaching consent and respecting children's boundaries at an early age is crucial for their well-being.
- Studies show 30-40% of child abuse victims are harmed by family, highlighting the importance of teaching consent.
More info: Netmums
Everyone knows how important it is to respect people’s boundaries, but when it comes to kids, folks often tend to downplay the situation
Image credits: Polesie Toys / Pexels (not the actual photo)
The woman explained that she was trying to teach her 3-year-old about bodily autonomy but that her mom was making things difficult by disrespecting the kid’s boundaries
Image credits: Juan Pablo Serrano / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Even when the child said no to hugs and kisses, the grandma would do it anyway and say, “don’t be silly, of course, you can hug your nanny”
Image credits: Laura H(8)
The poster didn’t like that her mom was being so persistent with cuddles and kisses even when the child didn’t want it, but she wondered if she was ridiculous to think that way
The woman explained that she had been trying to teach her toddler that her body was hers and that she could say no to things that made her feel uncomfortable. As adults, we know we have the right to set boundaries when it comes to physical touch. Children also have these rights and can reject physical contact if they don’t want it.
Understandably, the grandmom wanted to show her granddaughter love and affection in the only way she knew how. It might also have just been her way of showing how much she cares about the child. But in many families, kids often feel obligated to hug or kiss their relatives, because if they say no, the adult may feel offended.
This is a belief system that needs to change because studies on child abuse have found that around 30-40% of victims get abused by family members. So, if kids aren’t allowed to set boundaries with relatives or are not taught about consent, they might easily fall into the trap of a predator.
It’s impossible to gauge which person has ill intentions toward the child. That’s why kids should be allowed to say no to anyone if they feel uncomfortable. Even though it’s an important issue, whenever the woman tried speaking to her mom about it, she’d say the poster was being ridiculous.
Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels (not the actual photo)
The woman also said that she was in two minds about the situation. On one hand, she wanted her daughter to feel she had control over her body, and on the other hand, she wasn’t sure if she was overreacting to her mom’s behavior. The problem is that netizens were also divided on the topic.
Experts on child well-being and care state that it’s very important for children to be taught about consent and for parents to ensure their boundaries are respected. Kids should be educated about it as early as possible and at an age-appropriate level so that their understanding develops as they mature.
Parents may worry about offending relatives by setting such boundaries. That’s why they need to first start the discussion and explain why the issue is so important. Relatives can ask questions and also collaboratively come up with alternatives to hugging and kissing that might be more comfortable for the child.
This might seem like a very new concept because most people in previous generations were not taught about consent or bodily autonomy. But it’s essential to understand why the topic is so important. Such knowledge could help a young child escape from or speak up about an unsafe situation, and that’s truly wonderful.
What’s your verdict on this situation? Do you think the mom was being ridiculous and getting worked up over nothing?
Some people felt that family members should be taught to respect a child’s boundaries and that the mom wasn’t being ridiculous
Image credits: Daka / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Other folks said that such boundaries should only be imposed on extended family members, not on close relatives
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I'm sorry, but even with a "safe" adult, if the child does not want to be hugged or kissed, the child shouldn't get hugged or kissed. Pretty sure the saying is "no means no" not "no means no unless you're immediate family then no doesn't mean anything and you are allowed to do whatever you want"
“Safe” adults are by far the most likely to be child predators. The “random stranger kidnapper” does happen, but not nearly as much as the news would make you think. The reason those stories blow up is because they’re so rare.
Load More Replies...The firts five years wil lay the foundation of the rest of your life, especially with regards to relationships. If you are taught that you have to accept that close family gets to kiss, hold and touch you anytime they want it, you basically learn that you can not set boundaries to them. This will put you at risk for things like incest and domestic abuse. So you need to learn that it is totally okay to kiss and hug nanny and be kissed and hugged by her, but only if and when you BOTH wish to do so.
That's to say, three-year-olds are children. Not cuddle toys.
Load More Replies...I hated being hugged or kissed by anyone when I didn't want it. My earliest memories are hiding behind Mom to avoid it. I've watched my grandson (5yo) since he was 18 months old. Sometimes he's fuzzy and wants hugs and kisses. Sometimes he's not. My husband always tries to force a hug. I taught gs that if he doesn't want to, he doesn't have to. It's his choice. Both husband and I get plenty of hugs from him, voluntarily.
I would be wary of leaving a child with anyone who wanted to kiss someone who didn't want to kiss them back. She is using hugs and kisses to make sure the child knows she has no power and can't challenge grandma, and then she's going out of her way to prove the same point to OP. It's insidious, that power play will shine through in other aspects, and It's only going to be more of a problem as the kid ages. The child will get bullied into being ashamed of her likes and dislikes, she'll lose confidence. Find another solution for child care. Teach your child no means no and that you'll always have her back.
When I was a little girl, I wasn't allowed to say no to an adult. I was also molested by my uncle.
My nephew didn't wan't hugs from he was 3... I stopped. We have grown SO CLOSE because I stopped. Today... 20 years later he lives with me while he studies... To teach children that it's okay not to wan't hugs etc. iIS VERY IMPORTANT. Ask for consent!!
Grandma's unwelcome affection is exactly why teaching a child to say NO is important. I wish Grandma knew that if she had just said 'Okay, maybe next time,' the empowered child would probably have jumped into her arms.
“Your mum is a ‘safe’ adult”… most abuse is done by people the victim should have been able to trust. A “safe” person is one who respects boundaries, regardless of their relationship to you.
It happened to me. I am visiting my son and his family. "give grandma a hug" says daughter in law. "No," say three year old grand daughter. "Good for you kiddo," I said, "you're setting boundaries." We eventually settled on fist bumps.
So basically anyone in my family is a safe adult ... except that one that actually wasn't? Because he did what grandma was doing and it's not different because of gender. If you don't want to be kissed or cuddled, it's considered a form of assault to force it on you. Grandma needs to respect boundaries.
The people saying those boundaries should only be in place for extended family, NO. They've clearly never heard that physical or SA does happen within families. Knowing the word "no" at any age is critical, and the child needs to learn her boundaries should be respected. If her own Nan won't, why would she ever expect a stranger to?
and that's how you alienate your grandchild, by making them feel uncomfortable and disrespected around you. a few more years of this when the child is big enough to force grandma away, and she will never get another hug from the kid
I was forced to tell my grandparents “I love you.” I maybe saw them twice a year for a few days. They lived a 20 hour drive away (neither side would fly). They weren’t bad people, but I seriously didn’t know them. Why should I be forced to tell them something that I feel is very personal, and should only be used when I really mean it.
I’m a grandma and I’m leaving it to my grandkids to dictate what they want in the way of hugs etc. Their wishes come first. We can go with a fist bump or a high five if they prefer, or just a verbal hello or goodbye. I won’t be traumatised if a child isn’t receptive to a hug. Anyone who takes that to heart needs to learn to suck it up and get over themselves. And if that means therapy for the adult then so be it.
I'm a Nana too and any my grandkids know hugs etc are not expected. Their bodies, their choices and I respect their feelings and choices.
Load More Replies..."A 3 year old doesn't know what she wants." can turn into "A 7 year old doesn't know what she wants.", which can then turn into "A 12 year old doesn't know what she wants." Then where is the line drawn? How old is old enough to "know what she wants.", according to grandma? Where is the magical line in the sand drawn? Let's say her 8th birthday? The day before, it's "A 7 year old doesn't know what she wants.", and then the next day, like magic, all of a sudden she'll know what she wants? The people most likely to hurt children are their immediate/extended family. Children need to be allowed to say no. Those who are, are less likely to be abused, and even if they are, those children are the most likely to come forward and tell others about said abuse. Grandma needs to get out of that mindset, and learn that even 3 year olds know what they want sometimes.
I'm a married woman and never liked overbearing hugs and kisses as a child. Still feel this way and I'm in my 60s. I wish I could have fended off smoochy relatives. Of course your daughter can say "no, thank you!"
Let the child choose who to go to. They often have a sense about things that adults dont see. I was always forced to hug and kiss relatives and I HATED it. My great aunt had whiskers on her chin and smelt weird I hated getting really close to her. My mother thought I should hug and kiss all my uncles and aunts some I was happy too but others freaked me out.
Tell your daughter's grandma, you are teaching your daughter about consent, and don't you dare teach my child that if someone is family UNWANTED TOUCHING of any kind she has clear she does not want, is OK, even after she says NO, because rape and insest happens, Just because she's a female doesn't make it right, it makes it WORSE, that a female role model is trampling all over your daughter's boundaries. She needs to know that it's ok to say no, EVEN to family members, and to all those people saying the mother's being ridiculous, shame on you inscestous pedophile pimps.
I understand wanting kisses and cuddles as a new aunt. But this is about boundaries. If they aren’t respected, she’s gonna have a hard time setting and enforcing them later life.
I am a grandma, love my wonderful grandkids, but would NEVER force a hug or kiss at any age. Instead maybe ask to snuggle together while reading a book, telling a story, playing a game, watching a movie, etc. These all make better memories than being forced into physical contact when you’re not in the mood.
This is all relatively a new concept, i.e., teaching a child that their body autonomy is up to them and as a 72 y.o. male with a 34 y.o. daughter, I LOVE it. If we're ever going to escape out cultural bonds we have to do things like this.
Whatever the parties' ages or relationships are, the only right way to get a kiss is to deserve one.
A child should NEVER be forced to accept hugs or kisses from anyone. I don't care if they are family. They have the right to choose. NO MEANS NO! It isn't just random strangers that are known as child predators. Sometimes family are predators as well. A child in our old building was being molested by her uncle and he was family. Just because you are related doesn't mean that an adult has the right to do whatever ever they want to a child. I don't want to hear that she doesn't know what she wants. SHE TOLD YOU NO! It's being forced on her by her Grandma anyway. Your child should have control over her body. This older generation needs to learn how to accept the times have changed and they need to learn to accept boundaries. NO is a complete answer. There's a price to pay for accepting child care from Grandma. Unfortunately your child is paying the price of having people giving her unwanted affection. This isn't my Generation ( Gen X) where us kids were forced to take unwanted hugs and kisses. Your kid has a say. By the way, I am a multiple SA survivor. ( Separate incidents different assaults) Protect your child.
Please respect your child and let Grandma know she'll be seeing less of her if she continues to force affection on her. I still remember visiting my grandparents as a small child, and being passed down to be hugged and kissed by all nine aunts and uncles. I was never hugged or kissed at home so this made me very uncomfortable, but if I pulled back someone would say, "Terrible girl, she doesn't love her family!" and force me right back in the line. Also, they always kissed on the lips and licked their lips first, so by the time they were done my face was covered with saliva. Don't ever make a child feel like an object to be passed around and forced to give affection to anyone, no matter how close that person is to the family.
Rules of consent & how they are taught have changed so much in the last decade or so it's not surprising granny doesn't get it. So ... cut granny some slack but do keep trying to teach her gently & talk to daughter about it - "I'm sorry granny is too old fashioned to get it but no does mean no so keep on saying it"
How stupid to maintain that you have to accept forced affection from close family Leav is he kid super scared and confused when a close family member starts molesting them, and they think they HAVE to accept it?
I'm sorry, but even with a "safe" adult, if the child does not want to be hugged or kissed, the child shouldn't get hugged or kissed. Pretty sure the saying is "no means no" not "no means no unless you're immediate family then no doesn't mean anything and you are allowed to do whatever you want"
“Safe” adults are by far the most likely to be child predators. The “random stranger kidnapper” does happen, but not nearly as much as the news would make you think. The reason those stories blow up is because they’re so rare.
Load More Replies...The firts five years wil lay the foundation of the rest of your life, especially with regards to relationships. If you are taught that you have to accept that close family gets to kiss, hold and touch you anytime they want it, you basically learn that you can not set boundaries to them. This will put you at risk for things like incest and domestic abuse. So you need to learn that it is totally okay to kiss and hug nanny and be kissed and hugged by her, but only if and when you BOTH wish to do so.
That's to say, three-year-olds are children. Not cuddle toys.
Load More Replies...I hated being hugged or kissed by anyone when I didn't want it. My earliest memories are hiding behind Mom to avoid it. I've watched my grandson (5yo) since he was 18 months old. Sometimes he's fuzzy and wants hugs and kisses. Sometimes he's not. My husband always tries to force a hug. I taught gs that if he doesn't want to, he doesn't have to. It's his choice. Both husband and I get plenty of hugs from him, voluntarily.
I would be wary of leaving a child with anyone who wanted to kiss someone who didn't want to kiss them back. She is using hugs and kisses to make sure the child knows she has no power and can't challenge grandma, and then she's going out of her way to prove the same point to OP. It's insidious, that power play will shine through in other aspects, and It's only going to be more of a problem as the kid ages. The child will get bullied into being ashamed of her likes and dislikes, she'll lose confidence. Find another solution for child care. Teach your child no means no and that you'll always have her back.
When I was a little girl, I wasn't allowed to say no to an adult. I was also molested by my uncle.
My nephew didn't wan't hugs from he was 3... I stopped. We have grown SO CLOSE because I stopped. Today... 20 years later he lives with me while he studies... To teach children that it's okay not to wan't hugs etc. iIS VERY IMPORTANT. Ask for consent!!
Grandma's unwelcome affection is exactly why teaching a child to say NO is important. I wish Grandma knew that if she had just said 'Okay, maybe next time,' the empowered child would probably have jumped into her arms.
“Your mum is a ‘safe’ adult”… most abuse is done by people the victim should have been able to trust. A “safe” person is one who respects boundaries, regardless of their relationship to you.
It happened to me. I am visiting my son and his family. "give grandma a hug" says daughter in law. "No," say three year old grand daughter. "Good for you kiddo," I said, "you're setting boundaries." We eventually settled on fist bumps.
So basically anyone in my family is a safe adult ... except that one that actually wasn't? Because he did what grandma was doing and it's not different because of gender. If you don't want to be kissed or cuddled, it's considered a form of assault to force it on you. Grandma needs to respect boundaries.
The people saying those boundaries should only be in place for extended family, NO. They've clearly never heard that physical or SA does happen within families. Knowing the word "no" at any age is critical, and the child needs to learn her boundaries should be respected. If her own Nan won't, why would she ever expect a stranger to?
and that's how you alienate your grandchild, by making them feel uncomfortable and disrespected around you. a few more years of this when the child is big enough to force grandma away, and she will never get another hug from the kid
I was forced to tell my grandparents “I love you.” I maybe saw them twice a year for a few days. They lived a 20 hour drive away (neither side would fly). They weren’t bad people, but I seriously didn’t know them. Why should I be forced to tell them something that I feel is very personal, and should only be used when I really mean it.
I’m a grandma and I’m leaving it to my grandkids to dictate what they want in the way of hugs etc. Their wishes come first. We can go with a fist bump or a high five if they prefer, or just a verbal hello or goodbye. I won’t be traumatised if a child isn’t receptive to a hug. Anyone who takes that to heart needs to learn to suck it up and get over themselves. And if that means therapy for the adult then so be it.
I'm a Nana too and any my grandkids know hugs etc are not expected. Their bodies, their choices and I respect their feelings and choices.
Load More Replies..."A 3 year old doesn't know what she wants." can turn into "A 7 year old doesn't know what she wants.", which can then turn into "A 12 year old doesn't know what she wants." Then where is the line drawn? How old is old enough to "know what she wants.", according to grandma? Where is the magical line in the sand drawn? Let's say her 8th birthday? The day before, it's "A 7 year old doesn't know what she wants.", and then the next day, like magic, all of a sudden she'll know what she wants? The people most likely to hurt children are their immediate/extended family. Children need to be allowed to say no. Those who are, are less likely to be abused, and even if they are, those children are the most likely to come forward and tell others about said abuse. Grandma needs to get out of that mindset, and learn that even 3 year olds know what they want sometimes.
I'm a married woman and never liked overbearing hugs and kisses as a child. Still feel this way and I'm in my 60s. I wish I could have fended off smoochy relatives. Of course your daughter can say "no, thank you!"
Let the child choose who to go to. They often have a sense about things that adults dont see. I was always forced to hug and kiss relatives and I HATED it. My great aunt had whiskers on her chin and smelt weird I hated getting really close to her. My mother thought I should hug and kiss all my uncles and aunts some I was happy too but others freaked me out.
Tell your daughter's grandma, you are teaching your daughter about consent, and don't you dare teach my child that if someone is family UNWANTED TOUCHING of any kind she has clear she does not want, is OK, even after she says NO, because rape and insest happens, Just because she's a female doesn't make it right, it makes it WORSE, that a female role model is trampling all over your daughter's boundaries. She needs to know that it's ok to say no, EVEN to family members, and to all those people saying the mother's being ridiculous, shame on you inscestous pedophile pimps.
I understand wanting kisses and cuddles as a new aunt. But this is about boundaries. If they aren’t respected, she’s gonna have a hard time setting and enforcing them later life.
I am a grandma, love my wonderful grandkids, but would NEVER force a hug or kiss at any age. Instead maybe ask to snuggle together while reading a book, telling a story, playing a game, watching a movie, etc. These all make better memories than being forced into physical contact when you’re not in the mood.
This is all relatively a new concept, i.e., teaching a child that their body autonomy is up to them and as a 72 y.o. male with a 34 y.o. daughter, I LOVE it. If we're ever going to escape out cultural bonds we have to do things like this.
Whatever the parties' ages or relationships are, the only right way to get a kiss is to deserve one.
A child should NEVER be forced to accept hugs or kisses from anyone. I don't care if they are family. They have the right to choose. NO MEANS NO! It isn't just random strangers that are known as child predators. Sometimes family are predators as well. A child in our old building was being molested by her uncle and he was family. Just because you are related doesn't mean that an adult has the right to do whatever ever they want to a child. I don't want to hear that she doesn't know what she wants. SHE TOLD YOU NO! It's being forced on her by her Grandma anyway. Your child should have control over her body. This older generation needs to learn how to accept the times have changed and they need to learn to accept boundaries. NO is a complete answer. There's a price to pay for accepting child care from Grandma. Unfortunately your child is paying the price of having people giving her unwanted affection. This isn't my Generation ( Gen X) where us kids were forced to take unwanted hugs and kisses. Your kid has a say. By the way, I am a multiple SA survivor. ( Separate incidents different assaults) Protect your child.
Please respect your child and let Grandma know she'll be seeing less of her if she continues to force affection on her. I still remember visiting my grandparents as a small child, and being passed down to be hugged and kissed by all nine aunts and uncles. I was never hugged or kissed at home so this made me very uncomfortable, but if I pulled back someone would say, "Terrible girl, she doesn't love her family!" and force me right back in the line. Also, they always kissed on the lips and licked their lips first, so by the time they were done my face was covered with saliva. Don't ever make a child feel like an object to be passed around and forced to give affection to anyone, no matter how close that person is to the family.
Rules of consent & how they are taught have changed so much in the last decade or so it's not surprising granny doesn't get it. So ... cut granny some slack but do keep trying to teach her gently & talk to daughter about it - "I'm sorry granny is too old fashioned to get it but no does mean no so keep on saying it"
How stupid to maintain that you have to accept forced affection from close family Leav is he kid super scared and confused when a close family member starts molesting them, and they think they HAVE to accept it?

















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