Creating Cultures of Consent: A Guide for Parents and Educators

by Laura McGuire

With conversations about sexual violence, consent, and bodily autonomy dominating national conversations it can be easy to get lost in the onslaught of well-intended but often poorly executed messages. Through an exploration of research, scholarly expertise, and practical real-world application we can better formulate an understanding of what consent is, how we create consent cultures, and where the path forward lies.

This book is designed with both educators and parents in mind. The tools highlighted throughout help adults unlearn harmful narratives about consent, boundaries, and relationships so that they can begin their work internally through modeling and self-reflection. We then uncover what consent truly is and is not, how culture plays an integral role in interpersonal scripting, and how teaching consent as a life skill can look in and out of the classroom. By integrating the need for consent to be taught in schools and homes we build bridges between the spaces where children learn and create alliances in the often-daunting task of eradicating rape-culture.

This book is perfect for those already comfortable and familiar with this topic as well as those newer to understanding consent as a paradigm. Starting with a strong historical and research-informed foundation the book builds into action-oriented guidelines for conversations, curriculum, and community activism. This blended approach creates a guidebook that is unlike anything else on the market today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2021

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the author’s message and what they were trying to do, but the book itself is all over the place. The organization style of the chapters is inconsistent and the summary points after each chapter don’t necessarily align with the actual focus. The practical suggestions aren’t well-integrated into the material and feel like an afterthought that follows the author’s semi-related monologue summarizing general information. The book also spent a lot more time outlining what’s wrong and why, but didn’t dedicate the same effort or research to describing the better alternatives. Overall, the author just seems confused as to the purpose of the book. As a result, it’s not really helpful as a guide for parents, educators, or for people who want to learn about the topics in general.

I think this has potential to be a good book, but would need some very heavy editing.
—
I received an advanced review copy or #CreatingCulturesofConsent from #NetGalley

[Electric Dreams]

"Creating Cultures of Consent: A Guide for Parents and Educators" by Laura McGuire is a vital and timely resource that addresses the crucial topic of consent in an accessible and comprehensive manner. As someone deeply invested in the betterment of educational practices and the welfare of children, I found McGuire's book to be both enlightening and essential. It serves as a much-needed guide in today's world, where understanding and teaching the principles of consent is imperative for creating safer and more respectful communities.

What makes this book stand out is its practical approach. McGuire doesn't just theorize about consent; she provides tangible strategies and tools for parents and educators to use in real-life situations. The book is structured in a way that is both informative and easy to navigate, making it an accessible resource for adults regardless of their background knowledge on the subject.

The inclusion of diverse scenarios and age-appropriate discussions is particularly commendable. McGuire understands that conversations about consent need to be tailored to different age groups, and she provides guidance on how to approach these discussions in a sensitive and effective manner. This aspect of the book is invaluable, as it empowers adults to engage with children and young people in conversations about bodily autonomy, respect, and boundaries in a way that is meaningful and impactful.

Moreover, McGuire’s emphasis on creating a culture of consent is a powerful call to action. She goes beyond individual interactions to discuss how schools, homes, and communities can foster environments where consent is understood, valued, and practiced. This holistic approach is crucial for bringing about lasting change and ensuring that the principles of consent become ingrained in our societal norms.

The book also addresses the challenges and complexities surrounding the topic of consent, offering nuanced perspectives and acknowledging the difficulties that may arise in these conversations. McGuire's compassionate and understanding tone throughout the book is reassuring, making it clear that while these discussions can be challenging, they are absolutely necessary.

In summary, "Creating Cultures of Consent: A Guide for Parents and Educators" by Laura McGuire is an indispensable resource. It's a book that not only enlightens but also equips adults with the knowledge and skills to teach and model the principles of consent effectively. McGuire’s work is a significant contribution to creating safer, more respectful, and empathetic future generations. This book is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone committed to fostering environments where consent and personal boundaries are respected and upheld.

[James M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after attending a Trauma-Informed Certification trainning led by Dr. McGuire. As a parent I always worry about my intent vs. my impact. I think most times all parents have the very best intent as we try to counsel, protect, and encourage our children...but sometimes the impact doesn't exactly land how we thought it would. This book serves as a practical guidebook, or another tool in my toolbox, to help me have better conversations with my children, where the impact better aligns with my intent.
I found it very easy to read, and it felt as if the author was having a conversation with me. Additionally, I appreciated the citations at the end of each chapter so that I could do some additional research on my own. Unlike another reviewer, I didn't find this book to have any politically-charged content. I don't see consent as a political issue, instead I see it as a human issue. I applaud Dr. McGuire for their passion regarding this topic, and for helping me teach another aspect of humanity to my children.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well-researched, educational, and thought-provoking conversation-starter about consent and how to create and advocate for consent culture. Dr. McGuire discusses consent from all angles, urging readers to consider their understanding of consent from the context of their culture, biases, and privilege levels.

As someone who is very interested in this topic, I learned a lot of new concepts/perspectives: the existence of “rape-free societies”, how consent should be taught from early youth in nonsexual situations, the ways in which media and entertainment perpetuate rape culture, and how views on consent should be de-colonized. This book expanded my knowledge, and I’m interested in looking more into these concepts!

This book was practical and easy to read and understand; although it was educational, it wasn’t dense. Dr. McGuire highlights the lack of understanding of consent in our society, and she also discusses solutions and actions that parents and educators can take to inform and shape the next generation. I recommend this book to everyone!

[Lianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura McGuire is a sexual misconduct officer at an American college. This book is pitched at both parents and educators and aims to provide practical guidance to integrate consent education and sexual violence prevention into schools and homes. I am both a parent and involved in sexual violence prevention work in higher education so I picked this up with the hopes of finding new ideas to support both these roles. I found that there wasn't very much in here that was new to me and I felt that the dual focus on parenting and education didn't quite work. It didn't quite meet my needs but as a guide for beginners, I think it is fine and you will get some useful information and guidance from this book.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher, mom, survivor, and human I am so grateful for this book. It was a wonderful read. I loved the flow, recaps, and action oriented initiatives with such beauty interwoven in. There are so many teachable moments that happen organically in life and this book is foundational is being able to nourish those moments into individual wellbeing and empowerment. It feels like a companion to have toward a conceivable and possible culture where consent bodily autonomy are cherished. You can feel the passion and purpose Dr. Laura McGuire has put into this work of love. Thank you so much.

[Brianna McKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a good book for beginners trying to unlearn things and gives good starting points and easy language to follow. As a parent and fellow sexuality educator, I did feel as though it would be geared more towards school and community educators than parents (rather I wouldn’t necessarily give it to a parent as a first option), however it is good to help get those gears moving in that unlearning process.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a lot of good points and ideas. I really wish the editing had been better Some sentences were hard to read and the typos and misused words drove me nuts. A new edit round would definitely make it less hard to wade through!

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't actually finish this book, but I got part way through and there was a phrase that was unnecessary and overly political. Consent is not exclusive to left or right wing. This completely turned me off the rest of the book.

[Megan Wooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Mcguire gives a thorough explanation of why consent is such an integral issue in leaving the "me too" era behind us and forming a rape free society. This can feel like a daunting task but we can all do our part in creating cultures of consent.

[Margaret Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, had a lot of great tips for parents looking to start the consent conversations with their elementary aged kids