Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent

A thoughtful and engaging introduction to consent for young children.

Created by experts in early childhood development and social justice, Yes! No! offers a clear and sensitive approach to teaching children the importance of bodily autonomy. Through simple language and vibrant illustrations, this picture book helps children understand the practice of asking for and giving permission, empowering them to express themselves and respect others.

The book normalises the concept of consent, showing children the various ways they can say "No" and how to listen to others' boundaries. It encourages children to recognise their right to decide what happens to their bodies, while also emphasising the importance of respecting other people's choices.

Key Themes:

• Bodily Autonomy: Children learn that their bodies are their own and that they have the right to say "No" to unwanted physical contact.
• Respectful Communication: The book demonstrates how to ask for permission and respect others' decisions, whether through words or actions.
• Empathy and Understanding: Yes! No! encourages children to understand the feelings of others and the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.
• Building Self-Awareness: It teaches children how to express their needs and recognise when others express their own boundaries, fostering emotional intelligence.

Why You'll Love It:

• Sensitive and Accessible: The book tackles an essential but sometimes difficult topic in an accessible and age-appropriate way, offering a gentle introduction to the idea of consent.
• Encourages Healthy Boundaries: The book helps children understand that it's okay to say "No" and to have their boundaries respected, which is key to building healthy relationships.
• Fosters Open Communication: By addressing consent from an early age, the book helps lay the foundation for open, honest conversations between children and adults.
• Inclusive and Thoughtful: The book acknowledges the diversity of experiences and promotes understanding of consent as an ongoing practice.

Perfect for:

• Parents, carers, and educators seeking to instil healthy, respectful communication in young children.
• Helping children aged 3-6 understand and navigate their own feelings and the feelings of others.
• Teachers and caregivers who want to create a safe, supportive environment where children feel empowered to express themselves.
• Initiating conversations about personal boundaries, respect, and consent in an inclusive, age-appropriate way.

Bonus:
The backmatter of Yes! No! offers helpful resources and conversation prompts to further explore these essential topics with children. It's an invaluable tool for starting crucial conversations in a way that's safe, open, and easy to understand.

With its interactive approach and inviting artwork, Yes! No! provides a powerful, positive, and gentle framework for discussing consent and building healthy boundaries with children.