This is very true. Life rules need to be consistant.

We often compromise with a smile and a wave. We never force. The kids sometimes blow us kisses. I must admit I do feel disappointed sometimes. As children we were taught a kiss with a relative was a sign of love and respect and thought nothing of it. The only one I hated kissing was an uncle who drank a lot of alcohol and I hated the smell of it.

Good on you I agree you should be teaching your child it’s their bodies and they need to feel comfortable and also it teaches them to respect them self’s, also to speak up of anything don’t be shy but everyone has there own differences but I totally am all for yours. ☺️

Having read your full post I agree with your reasons and protection for your child. I do hope this was received with understanding from your wider family.

Agree with this mum on this one. Its Ok to not to want to hug and the child should be taught that their feelings matter too.

I agree and such an important lesson to be introduced to children from an early age. People should learn not to take offence, as none is intended.

Yes I agree in that the child should not be given a hard time if they don’t want to hug someone.

Yep! I totally agree with this and no child should have to hug anyone! Little people need to be given the right tools to be in charge of their own bodies. No is a powerful and good word for children.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 11 Jul 2018 , 4:57 am

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  If relatives do get offended it is their problem!

Yes I believe more parents should listen and stand up for their children’s wishes in this circumstance.

i had an aunty who used to kiss us on the lips. i was never an affectionate child and i found kissing disgusting, i hated it. i used to beg my mum not to take me there but she always insisted and after i was kissed on the lips, i had to smile and be polite when all i wanted to do was run out of the room and cry under the back steps. my mother taught us kids that they should never let anyone touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable but she always made me kiss the aunt on the lips. i grew up to be very confused and resentful and to this day, i really hate affection

I absolutely agree with this. People do get offended though. I think that the child should say hello and goodbye – but in a way that they choose (verbal, a wave).

This was a really good way of trying to get it across. I sure hope it helps. You are very right and a good lesson

Absolutely right. We don’t have to force a child to hug anyone. Good on the mother to take her child’s side.

I’m 100% with this mum here. I don’t think kids should be forced into close confrontations. I remember being super uncomfortable when my parents did it to me, so I never forced my kids to