Elizabeth Smart Instagram – One aspect of consent that trips people up is that you need to ask for it EVERY TIME. Why? Because people are dynamic and ever-changing. Just look at the picture I posted. Those two pictures are a week apart. One from last week, as we hit the slopes for one final time this season, and this week as we enjoy spring break in sunny California with family. Assuming that you never have to ask again for permission after receiving it one time would be like showing up to the desert decked out in a ski outfit. You assumed that all activities were the same and didn’t consider that there are a variety of options to participate in. Or, here is another example. It’s spring break. I’ve taken off most this week, life is easy and breezy, and I’m feeling generous. If my kids asked me to go out for ice cream right now, even though they’ve eaten plenty of sugar already, I’d probably say yes (don’t tell them! 😜). But if the situation was different. If it was dreary out, I was stressed with work, and we were all fighting a cold, and they pitched the ice cream outing idea, I’d say no. It’s not because I don’t love ice cream, but it’s not the right time. As we make practicing wholehearted consent a daily habit, you have to remember that people are intricate. They have good days, bad days, and meh days. They are affected by everyday life and how their bodies feel. Because of this beautiful complexity, we need to ask EVERY TIME. — Did you know I wrote an online course on consent for teens? You can grab one for your teen at www.wholeheartedconsent.com . . . . . . . . . . #sexualconsent #consent #consentmatters #consentmatterseverytime #sexeducationmatters