As the holiday season approaches, it’s hard not to feel a bit of the bah humbug spirit creeping in. This marks our fourth Christmas with kids, and in the past, we’ve taken them to meet Santa. However, this year will be different.
Reflecting on the powerful impact of the #MeToo movement, it has become increasingly clear that many women have faced unwanted advances throughout their lives. In fact, I don’t know a single woman who hasn’t experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. This reality weighed heavily on my mind, especially when thinking about my two young daughters, who are just three and two years old, and blissfully unaware of such issues.
A fellow parenting blogger shared valuable insights on teaching consent to young children, which immediately made me reconsider our holiday traditions. I felt a wave of shame as I recalled past Christmases when I would plop my daughter onto Santa’s lap, snapping pictures as she squirmed in discomfort. I thought it was all in good fun, believing she was safe because I was right there. But that didn’t matter to her.
By placing my child in the lap of a stranger and insisting she stay there for a photo, I inadvertently taught her a troubling lesson: that her comfort could be sacrificed for the sake of tradition and gifts.
I want my daughters to know that their bodies belong to them alone. They should be empowered to say no when they feel uneasy and understand that they never have to endure discomfort for the sake of pleasing others, not even for Santa.
While some might argue that my reaction is excessive, I believe it’s crucial. This year, we will not be continuing this long-standing tradition. We may visit Santa for a quick chat and a picture, but I’m leaning towards skipping the experience entirely. Too often, children are told by adults—be it photographers, bystanders, or even Santa himself—that they must comply to receive gifts, which sends a harmful message.
Instead, we plan to write a letter to Santa, embracing a more comfortable approach to the holiday spirit. If you’re interested in more discussions around parenting and self-empowerment, check out this post on home insemination kits, which also emphasizes the importance of choice and autonomy.
In a world where consent and boundaries are paramount, it’s vital to prioritize our children’s comfort and self-advocacy. For further insights on hydration during pregnancy, visit this authority on the topic. Additionally, if you’re exploring home insemination options, CCRM offers an excellent resource for pregnancy and related topics.
Summary:
This article discusses the decision to forgo the traditional Santa lap photo for young children due to concerns about teaching consent and bodily autonomy. The author reflects on the implications of placing children in uncomfortable situations for the sake of tradition, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children’s comfort and empowerment.