In this talk, I share a brief autoethnographic story from my own childhood to show how early experiences can shape — and sometimes distort — our understanding of boundaries. Drawing on research into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), I explore how trauma can affect a child’s ability to recognise their own needs, assert themselves, and feel deserving of safety. The talk concludes with three practical, compassionate tips for teaching consent from the very start of a child’s life.