\n<\/p>\n
I’m sure that parents with toddlers have, in the last week, run the Roxy Square scenario in their head (even if only to the extent of what can be seen on the CCTV footage). How would we have reacted?\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the heat of the moment, would we really be as rational then as we think about it now? And if our children had watched us respond with violence, what would that have taught them?<\/p>\n
What I do know is this: I want my children to know that it\u2019s okay to feel uncomfortable with an interaction. I want them to be able to say so, move away, seek help and to know it is not disrespectful or impolite to do so.<\/p>\n
I want to model the behaviour I expect of others. Showing affection doesn\u2019t require unsolicited touching nor does respecting boundaries require a signed consent form.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Say hello, smile and wave. Offer a high-five and let the child choose to reciprocate. It requires only a slight shift in mindset \u2013 seeing an interaction as something to be offered rather than imposed.<\/p>\n
And if someone does cross the line with my children, I want to have the presence of mind to intervene civilly and explain our boundary. They don\u2019t have to agree with it to respect it.<\/p>\n