Real Talk: Cuddle Caution - Student's Guide to Consent & Boundaries Real Talk With Susan & Kristina

Students sometimes enjoy cuddling, but innocent acts can sometimes lead to serious Title IX cases. These situations are more common than you might expect. Join Susan and Kristina in this episode of Real Talk as they discuss common pitfalls, focusing on important aspects like communication, conversation, and consent. Tune in for essential insights, and be sure to share this information with your students.
  LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: https://studentdefense.kjk.com/
  TRANSCRIPT: Susan Stone:
Welcome back to Real Talk with Susan Stone and Kristina Supler. We are full time moms and attorneys bringing our student defense legal practice to life with real candid conversations.
 
Susan Stone:
Nice to see you on this dreary, rainy day. 
 
Kristina Supler:
Indeed, it is. 
 
Susan Stone:
It is. Well, we're going to talk about something that's actually good to do on a rainy day. 
 
Kristina Supler:
Ooh, tell me more. What could that be? 
 
Susan Stone:
Cuddling. 
 
Kristina Supler:
Who doesn't love cuddling? 
 
Susan Stone:
My gosh. You know what? I'm mourning the fact that my youngest is about to go to college.
And we talked about this on prior podcasts, but do you remember we used to have younger kids. But back in the day. 
 
Kristina Supler:
My kids love to CUDDLE Yeah, 
 
Susan Stone:
There's nothing like that. Cuddling up a little kid, especially on a rainy morning.
 
Susan Stone:
Couldn't agree more.
 
Susan Stone:
I love it. 
 
Kristina Supler:
Well, why are you talking about cuddling today, Susan? Do I go with this?
 
Susan Stone:
Well, we're going to get there because, as you know, nobody sees us and things until something goes wrong. And what is that saying? Everything's fine till somebody gets poked in the eye. Do you remember that thing? 
 
Kristina Supler:
Yes. 
 
Susan Stone:
Well, we're going to talk about cuddling going wrong. But first, let's just talk about why do we cuddle? I mean, I was doing a little research on cuddling and did you know that cuddling produces oxytocin and basically makes you feel good and safe?
 
Kristina Supler:
Well, that's interesting because I suppose and you know, you're the special ed wiz, if you will, is it could one argue that cuddling is kind of like a form of O.T. in a way, occupational therapy or stimulating you in some way? 
 
Susan Stone:
Well, we know it improves sleep. There are some studies out there that says it actually boosts the immune system and it, believe it or not, lowers blood pressure.
That's crazy, isn't it? 
 
Kristina Supler:
Now that I didn't see that one coming, I'm just thinking about like some of our little kids and people with sensitivities to touch and touch can be a good thing. And also maybe something that can be triggering. 
 
Susan Stone:
Yeah, exactly. Well, I would say that in early childhood, cuddling definitely leads to attachment parenting. You really form bonds.
 
Kristina Supler:
Well, that like when you first have your baby and they want to put the baby on your chest for the. What does that kangaroo care? What was it called?
 
Susan Stone:
 I think it's kangaroo care. It's been a minute
 
Kristina Supler:
and they have had a baby. 
 
Susan Stone:
Yeah, but I think your point is well taken that some children actually are averse to touch, you know, like that feeling. But most people do. And a little simple hug or cuddle is wonderful for parents. And I'm a big fan of parents being physically affectionate with children. But.
 
Kristina Supler:
but there's always a but 
 
Susan Stone:
but we're not here to talk about parents snuggling their babies, 
 
Kristina Supler:
I think as part of our podcast. It's funny, every episode there's sort of a theme of, in reality, things that are nice. Most of the time innocent sure and then put them on a college campus and the title nine world. And of course, there's always room for things to