To stop sexual assault on college campuses, Krista Millay says she needs parents to be her "prevention partners."
That means raising boys to be kind and mindful men.
As the director of the Women's Resource Center at the UA, overseeing sexual assault prevention programming on campus, she's all too familiar with fighting against 18-plus years of socialization in young men.
"Toxic masculinity, sexual aggression, violence — it is really difficult (often impossible) to change these attitudes and behaviors in an hour, much less when we are given 20 minutes," Millay said.
That's why she says parents need to start young when it comes to teaching kindness, mindfulness and consent.
Krista Millay, director of the UA Women's Resource Center, will share tips on how parents can raise little boys to be kind men.
"As a mother myself, I know that the real change will come when we have raised an entire generation of mindful, kind men, who are equipped to challenge and defy social norms that damage themselves and those around them, who are able and willing to create campuses that are safe and welcoming for all," Millay said. "This work starts at the very beginning — as soon as you hear the words, “It’s a boy!” We have to start challenging the expectations and attitudes that negatively influence and impact our sons. To actually stop sexual assault on college campuses, I need parents to be my prevention partners."
To give parents some ideas on how to do this, Millay is hosting a conversation on practical tips for kind parenting that can create social change in the future.
Millay gave us one of the tips she will be sharing:
"Start talking about consent! Even with your toddler. It doesn’t have to be a big or scary conversation. It can be as small as intercepting adults who go in for a hug or kiss from your little one. Get down there, next to your little one in that moment, and say to them (so the adult can hear), “Would you like to give a hug? You can also wave or give a high-five. What feels comfortable to you?” This is one instance, but there are millions of moments when our children see someone else’ power overriding the value and importance of their consent. It is so healthy for our children to see us challenging that power over another. And, as they begin to understand more, you can start to give language to what you are really doing — modeling how important it is to ask someone what feels comfortable for their body."
Children play on the slide at Himmel Park in Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 20, 2012.
Get more tips on the subject
What: How do we raise boys to be kind men? With Dr. Krista Millay
When: 5:30 p.m. Monday
Krista Millay, director of the UA Women's Resource Center will talk about how to raise boys to be kind men.
Where: Tap & Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Suggested donation of $5
More info: Click here for the event FB page
