It’s truly charming at this age, and oh so easy to indulge their whims. My sons adore me; they tackle me with hugs and shower me with kisses. Their playful antics, like shaking their little bottoms and finding humor in their bodies, bring laughter to our home. They wave their little parts like toy guns during bath time, and while it’s all innocent fun now, I realize the importance of guiding their understanding of boundaries.
If left unchecked, the innocent exuberance they express could transform into something harmful. Unrestrained affection, like tackle-hugging, could evolve into unwanted advances later in life. I want them to learn the importance of consent early on.
“Whoa, buddy! That was a bit too much. Can we slow down a little? Next time, just ask if I’m ready for a hug,” I tell my son. He steps back, grinning, and asks, “Can I give you a hug?”
“Absolutely! I treasure every hug!”