Before asking my child, I stopped myself

While scrolling through social media, you pause at a post saying you should ask children first, too.

Scenes

How should I teach my child? — One evening, you're scrolling through social media on the couch when a post saying “Ask your child first” makes you pause. You understand the idea, but you're unsure what to say at home today.
I straighten their collar before asking — While getting ready to go out, you see your child's collar folded over and instinctively reach for it. Even when you mean to care for them, your child gets no chance to choose.
Consent doesn't end with an answer — Consent means asking, listening, and acting on the answer. If an adult keeps going after a child says “no,” the child learns more from the action than the words.
Ask before giving a hug — Today, before getting close, you can ask, “Can I hug you?” If your child says no, simply stop. Even a nod is enough.
Even if you asked yesterday, today is different — Even if a hug felt good yesterday, you need to ask again today. Through that repetition, your child learns they can say how they feel each time, even with someone close.