Mum Who Doesn't Make Daughter Hug Grandparents Says She's Teaching 'Necessary Skills'

A mum who refuses to make her daughter hug her loved ones says she is teaching her 'necessary skills' that will stick with her for the rest of her life.

Aussie Brittany Baxter kicked off a debate when she shared a TikTok video in which she explained that it all came down to consent and that if her little girl didn't want to give someone a kiss or a hug then she was entitled to say 'no'.

Today she appeared on This Morning where she said her parents did initially 'struggle' with the decision but that they are now completely 'on board with it'.

She told the hosts: "I think they may have struggled with it initially and I kind of get that.

"I'm challenging social norms and even potentially beliefs that we have around children and children knowing what they want.

"But once I explained the importance of it they really got on board with it and saw it as an opportunity to help their grandchild to develop really necessary skills she is going to need for her entire life."

She went on to explain that even before they can talk children can pick up on how people around them act when it comes to the issue of content.

"So I think it can sound a little bit strange, I want to put it into context," she said. "Children before they can even speak are observational learners and so are taking in the way you are with them, the way you behave with other people, strangers and so forth.

"So my husband and I, before my daughter was born we just got really clear on how we modelled consent in our relationship, how we practiced it, how we did with strangers and family members."

Once again, Brittany's views sparked debate with parents.

One viewer tweeted: "This is beyond ridiculous. So when my toddler is hurt & crying I should ask their consent to hug them better?"

Another said: There's a person on This Morning today saying that any parent must now seek the consent of their newborns before cuddling them? I really dislike this world."

But not everyone disagreed, with one mum writing: "Consent to cuddle - Total point. Some family members are strangers to a baby/child, yet think it's a right for a cuddle."

While someone else posted: "She is talking about consent to hug and kiss her baby. It should never be forced on a baby or child to have any physical contact with people that aren't parents." Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: TikTok

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19