quick-fingersJust Say No to Hugs and Kisses!
Sometimes children are extremely affectionate, however sometimes they just want to be left alone. When a parent wants to give a hug, but the child does not; what reaction should the parent have?
Well, let's ask ourselves this question; if we don't want to be affectionate with someone, how would we feel if we were coerced in to doing so? Not very well. A child should have his/her own say-so in who gets hugs and when they get them.
We should not guilt our children in to giving hugs like "Now my feelings are hurt," or "I haven't seen you in 'x' amount of time, and I don't even get a hug?"
We should embrace our child's autonomy by respecting their wishes when it comes to affection. We need to teach them to hold their ground when it comes to giving out their affection or not. By forcing them to do something that may or may not feel comfortable we could potentially be confusing them.
Our children have preferences, wants, and needs just like we do, so let's respect those preferences by allowing them to make their own decision.
Well, let's ask ourselves this question; if we don't want to be affectionate with someone, how would we feel if we were coerced in to doing so? Not very well. A child should have his/her own say-so in who gets hugs and when they get them.
We should not guilt our children in to giving hugs like "Now my feelings are hurt," or "I haven't seen you in 'x' amount of time, and I don't even get a hug?"
We should embrace our child's autonomy by respecting their wishes when it comes to affection. We need to teach them to hold their ground when it comes to giving out their affection or not. By forcing them to do something that may or may not feel comfortable we could potentially be confusing them.
Our children have preferences, wants, and needs just like we do, so let's respect those preferences by allowing them to make their own decision.
