We all giggled when we saw little Prince George snub Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's attempt to give him a high five and shake his hand.
We saw our own children in George's face as he looked uncertain at the prospect of displaying niceties with yet another stranger. This acquiescence to adults' requests is an expectation of most children – and more so for a young prince than our own children – and it doesn't always go smoothly.
Yes, we've all been there. Whether it's an acquaintance, a random person in a shop or a beloved grandparent, all kids have moments of not wanting to provide a requested high five, cuddle or kiss.
This can become a chance for either a light-hearted moment or an awkward interaction, depending on how the adult in question reacts. They can laugh it off and leave the child to warm up to the situation or interact in less physical ways, or they can elevate the whole situation.
And there's nothing worse than the snubbed person taking the refusal personally, or trying to insist that the request for affection be fulfilled.
When my daughter was one, we were in a situation with a friendly acquaintance who wanted her to accept a soft toy. It was a kind gesture, however my daughter shied away and said no, clearly not wanting the toy, and so I thanked the person and suggested she keep it for someone else. She was affronted and kept insisting, while my child kept refusing, and I had to become a louder spokesperson for my daughter. The acquaintance rolled her eyes and sighed as she gave in to what she deemed as a child's rudeness.
Unfortunately, society still has some of these hangovers from the 'children should do what any grown-up tells them' days. This is no longer the rule that many of us parents subscribe our offspring to; instead, we tend to suggest that our kids only do what they are comfortable with even while they are little and seemingly helpless.
And thank goodness for that.
Certainly, many experts say this is a child's first lesson in consent and having control over their own body. It's an important message about how to think independently and follow a gut instinct, and a good way for a child to test out their authority over their own actions and learn to be assertive.
They won't always get it right in the eyes of the grown-ups around them, and we can certainly guide them through it – and being around others who are more understanding can make this easier.
People like Justin Trudeau, for example. The world's favourite PM simply smiled and chatted with little George, attempting to make him feel more comfortable in a stilted situation. He gave the kid his own space – and that's exactly what many children would appreciate.
If only more random acquaintances could accept a child's right to refuse a high five, handshake or hug. If only they could just shrug it off and move on, seeing it for what it is: a child who is a person with their own thoughts rather than a personal insult.
We've said it before and we'll say it again: if only more people could be more like Justin Trudeau.