Episode 162 | Teaching Children to Honor Others Without Losing Themselves w/ Caitlin Roeder

How do we teach children to respect others without teaching them to ignore themselves?

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with children's author Caitlin Roeder to discuss her forthcoming picture book, Family Kisses, and the important conversations it invites around family traditions, culture, consent, bodily autonomy, and children's voices.

Together, they explore how adults can help children navigate relationships with confidence, kindness, and self-respect—without asking them to sacrifice who they are.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The inspiration behind Family Kisses

• Teaching children about bodily autonomy in age-appropriate ways

• Honoring family traditions while respecting personal boundaries

• The role trusted adults play in helping children find their voice

• Why consent is really about dignity and respect

• How picture books create opportunities for meaningful conversations

• What educators and families can learn from Mei-Li's story

This episode reminds us that teaching children to honor others should never require them to lose themselves.

Key Reflection

"Children can learn to be kind, respectful, and compassionate while also understanding that their voice and their boundaries matter."

About Caitlin Roeder

Caitlin Roeder is a children's author whose forthcoming picture book, Family Kisses, offers a joyful depiction of family celebration while introducing young readers to ideas of consent, bodily autonomy, and self-advocacy through the story of Mei-Li and her Chinese New Year celebration.

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