So important for our kids to have a free choice and be respected in this

Couldn’t agree more. Respect and boundaries.

I agree
I don’t tell my kids to kiss or hug anyone
If my kids naturally do it on their own thats there choose

There are other polite ways for kids to greet family etc if they’re not comfortable in doing the whole kisses and hugs. I don’t even like doing the whole kisses and hugs thing myself!

I love this article – we’re teaching our children the same. So important especially for girls to know about consent and feel comfortable saying “no”.

Children should be taught to be polite and to acknowledge each individual. It may be a simple hello, a shake of the hand, a kiss or an embrace and should be whatever the child feels comfortable doing.

I love to give hugs and receive them, COVID19 did put a stop to it for awhile, and I understand that not everyone likes to give or receive one, but I will never stop putting my arms out wide for a child to run into for a hug. I do believe that if you don’t hug your children when they are young they are not going to hug you when they get older.

Kids will give someone a hug or kiss if they choose or else they will run a mile.

I think it’s all about manners and respect. Something that seems to be at the root of our current societal behaviour.

Children shouldnt be forced for anything, let alone hugs or kisses. My second son doesnt like to be touched by strangers so its hard work for me at parties when people just want to give him a pat or a gentle loving touch in shoulders and he screams out “dont touch me” and i have to politely ask people to back off pls and they almost always understand. Maybe am lucky to not hear any nastiness over this yet?!

What an ugly person you are, with a hard heart. You exude meanness and this is what you are going to teach your daughter. You are a first-class Narcissist and full of yourself. You need to wake up to yourself and not be so selfish. So, if your daughter chooses to give affection are you going to stop her? By the sound of your video, yes. Well, what goes around comes back around, and I hope you get the same treatment afforded to you IF you ever live long enough to become a grandmother. A nasty, nasty person that you are. Unbelievably nasty in your attitude, actions and thoughts. True colours shine through. Hateful women, you don’t deserve children, not when you’re going to teach them to be nasty and hateful to their elders. I’m glad I’m not the one being raised by you. You are a social misfit.

It isn’t a loving hug or kiss if it is considered forced or fake. Children will naturally give a hug to those they feel happy with and shy away from all the others. That’s how it should be as well.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 27 Mar 2023 , 8:34 am

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  Yes I agree with you

My daughter would hug her grandparents of her own accord. She was very reserved with other people and I would not have forced her to hug someone.

I agree pretty strongly. You teach your kids to respond politely (at least initially, they can be rude if their response isn’t respected) but they don’t owe anyone more than basic verbal courtesy.

I have never and would never force my child to hug or kiss anyone. My children can be very affectionate to those they feel close to and comfortable with so they will hug family members voluntary, but I would never force. Concent and respect for choice etc is Important.

I have NEVER forced any of my kids to hug or kiss ANYONE they don’t want to. Their feelings are just as valid as anyone’s and as their parent its my job to ensure that their feelings are respected when they can’t do that for themselves.

I don’t believe in forced hugs and kisses, not even as a parents. Nothing nicer then a real good hug spontaneously given.

Over the top as a blanket rule. If they have been affectionate from the start it’s just normal. Obviously there are some people I would avoid at all costs. No, I wouldn’t force them but there’s nothing nicer that a cuddle from your grandchild.

No one is saying don’t be respectful to parents/grandparents/other family members but there are other ways to show affection other that a forced hug/kiss. Hugs can be comforting but there were times I didn’t want to hug or kiss family members and my whole body would tense when they went in for the hug/kiss. It’s a horrible feeling and especially for a child with sensory issues like one of my children. It might be ok when young, but grandparents should respect the child’s wishes as well and ask. A hi five is a fun alternative in the mean time.

I totally agree with her. i never forced my kids to kiss or hug their grandparents and as a grand parent now I always ask my grandkids if i can give them a hug and a kiss.