Boss of Your Own Body by Byll and Beth Stephen

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, your friendly Sex Ed Rescue expert. I’m here to help parents like you have those important conversations with your kids in a better and easier way. Today, I want to talk about a book called Boss of Your Own Body by Bill and Beth Steven, who are the creators of the popular Australian cartoon, the teeny tiny Stevies.

Now, before we dive in, let me just say that my kids are 14 and 17, and we don’t watch TV anymore. We’re all about streaming services. But I know the teeny tiny Stevies are a big hit, and they’ve come out with a collection of books. So let’s take a look at this one.

First off, this book isn’t specifically about body safety or consent. It’s more about teaching kids that they are the boss of their own bodies. It focuses on things they have control over and things they don’t. For example, it addresses a common concern parents have about relatives forcing kisses on their kids. This book can be a great way to get grandma on board with your parenting style. It doesn’t go into details about not touching or looking at private parts, but that’s okay. Remember, the authors are not sex educators or early childhood experts. They’re TV show creators and musicians. Still, I think it’s a fun and valuable book, especially if your kids are fans of the show.

One thing I absolutely love about this book is its inclusive artwork. It features children of all ethnicities, skin colors, and abilities. No child will feel left out, and that’s so important.

The book emphasizes that kids are the boss of their own bodies. They can choose to give a kiss or snuggle up, do a handstand or hold grandma’s hand. It also touches on things they don’t have control over, like who gets to eat biscuits or go down the slide first. But it always comes back to the message that they have power over their own bodies, and others should respect that.

Now, there’s a little note in the book that says if Mom tells you to put your shoes on, you can’t just say, No, I’m the boss of my body! for fun. It’s important to understand that there are times when we have to do things we don’t want to do, like going to the doctor. And hey, when you’re having a meltdown, it doesn’t mean Dad can’t pick you up and take you to a safe spot. But overall, the book empowers kids to feel in control of their bodies.

So, that’s the scoop on Boss of Your Own Body. I think it’s a great conversation starter. Now, I know buying books can add up, but here’s a tip: check out your local library! Talk to the librarian and see if they have a budget for ordering books. They might already have a good selection of consent and body safety books. Librarians are usually on top of what parents need, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Alright, that’s all for now. Take care and keep those important conversations going! Cheers!