Ended up quitting because he was too frustrated. I told him it was okay to walk away if it was too much, the important thing was he tried, and he can come back when he's calmer. So much growth from this little man.

I heard him say to himself aloud, "No, don't rage quit. That's what losers do." And he kept going. He told himself that he was smart and it's okay that he didn't get it right the first time, and I'm so incredibly proud of him for persisting. He still struggled and tried a time or two more but 🧵

Consent! Teach them that they have a right to defend themselves against anyone touching them without permission! Teach them that they MUST ask permission to touch someone else's person!

Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk.

Mama Bear seethed. He said he would handle it, again. He wasn't privy to it happening this weekend. I'm still angry that this continues to be a thing. She needs to ask him permission to touch him in any way and, in fact, I prefer she not be around him going forward.

Parents! Teach your kids about🧵

...again. I comforted my Bear, made sure he knew he was heard and asked if he wanted me to talk about it with the adults again and he did. His dad was a grown up about it as I told him this was more than enough and this child, who is nearly 18 needs to keep her hands off my kid. He agreed as this 🧵

Furthermore, hearing him describe the same behavior by the people he should be able to trust enrages me more. I've spoken out against this multiple times and used the kindest voice I can with his dad (with whom I have a wonderful co-parenting relationship and who agrees). But last night I heard it 🧵

I get it, he's laughing so it seems like he's having fun or doesn't mean it. He has to get angry or escape for it to stop. This is not bodily autonomy and family members used to do this to me as well when I was little. I hated it and would become enraged when they didn't stop. I feel his aggravation

And in fact, he's told me multiple times over the years that she tickles him without consent and then he gets made and tries to get away or push her away because she doesn't take him seriously when he tells her to stop, and ultimately he ends up running into something trying to get away. 🧵

Her kids are significantly older than him. Her youngest is 17. I've often listened as my son describes interactions with this child in particular and he doesn't hate her, but definitely has had a rocky relationship. I've often felt that she treats him as if he's "just" a little kid so has no say 🧵

Champagne Supernova by Oasis