Close Menu
Lindi
  • Home
  • News
  • Moral Story
  • Jokes
  • Life Hacks
  • Health and Fitness
  • Gardening
  • Recipes
  • Quiz
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Lindi
Subscribe
  • Home
  • News
  • Moral Story
  • Jokes
  • Life Hacks
  • Health and Fitness
  • Gardening
  • Recipes
  • Quiz

    Test your eyesight: Where is the girl standing?

    2025-06-09

    Test your eyesight: Where is the duck hiding?

    2025-06-09

    Find 12 differences in these 2 pictures

    2025-06-09

    Find all the hidden faces in the picture. Can you find all them?

    2025-06-09

    We made a sea crossing. I was lucky enough to land on an island. Can you help me find anyone alive?

    2025-06-09
Lindi
Home»Moral Story»Forcing Kids to Give Hugs Against Their Will Sends a Very Dangerous Message
Moral Story

Forcing Kids to Give Hugs Against Their Will Sends a Very Dangerous Message

Smart GadgetsBy Smart Gadgets2024-03-19Updated:2024-03-203 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Pinterest Reddit Telegram Copy Link

When a child tells you they don’t feel comfortable around someone, pay attention.

Forcing Kids to Give Hugs Negates All Our Lessons about Consent & Body Autonomy

From the moment our kids can understand us, we start teaching them about consent and body autonomy. We tell them that their bodies are their own. We explain that no one should touch them against their will, especially in certain places or ways that make them uncomfortable. 

Yes, we know these people. We feel safe with them. We feel like our kids are safe with them. So, we never think that something so simple, something that we did a million times as children, could undo so much hard work or send such a dangerous message. Put simply, we don’t think like kids, who are far more capable of seeing hypocrisy than we are as adults.

You see it as a familial obligation, but kids see it as something else

You see those forced hugs as part of life, as being polite, as just a moment of mild discomfort that’s over before it really even begins. Your child sees it for what it is- an oxymoron, a contradiction in term. To them, you’re saying, “Yes, you have autonomy over your body…unless we are at a family function, in which case, your body is free game.”

I don’t think I need to spell out why forcing kids to hug family members against their will sends a dangerous message, but just in case, I will. You are telling your child that they do not have autonomy over their body when a family member is involved.

How to navigate family functions while respecting your child

If your child rejects Aunt open arms, just say, “We’re teaching her that she has a right to decide what happens to her own body, and that goes for hugs, too. Give her time to get to know you.” It’s that simple.

If anyone objects, let them object. Should they roll their eyes or tell you that you’re coddling her, ignore it. If they call you “too soft,” respond with a “thanks!” After all, it’s a good thing to be a kind, gentle, and “soft” parent! A moment of mild confrontation with a family member is worth avoiding sending the wrong message to our kids, isn’t it?

If you’re really worried about offending anyone, Michigan State University has some fantastic tips to avoid the discomfort. A few examples that are so much better than just forcing kids to give hugs:

Talk to your relatives ahead of time. Let them know that your child is going through a shy phase and doesn’t like to give out hugs and you are uncomfortable with forcing them to do so.

Talk to your kids regularly about family members that they don’t see often, so they can get more comfortable with the idea of them. Show them pictures. Tell them stories. Set up monthly video chats to give them a chance to bond across the miles.

Teach your kids alternatives to hugging, like shaking hands, offering handpicked flowers, or even just waving. Whatever you choose, though, make sure they are comfortable with it.

 

Share. Facebook Pinterest Reddit Telegram Copy Link

Related Post

The dog flew into a rage when it saw a pregnant woman…

They Said I Was Unfit, But I Raised His Children Anyway

She was drowning…

At the registry office, the groom approached the bride, lifted her veil…

Millionaire on the way to the airport, sees a beggar with a baby in the rain – and gives her the keys to his house! But when he returns, he’s shocked by what he finds… OMG!

MY DOG WENT CRAZY OVER THE COUCH I BOUGHT — WHEN I CUT IT OPEN, I FROZE

A single father rescues two twin girls who fell through the ice on a lake. Some time later, five black SUVs pull up to his house…

A poor student married a 71-year-old millionaire. Seven days later, the guy…

The girl cried as she married the old man, but his secret was revealed during their wedding night…

A terrible loss for William and Harry: We mournfully announce the passing of close family member

2025-06-09

Test your eyesight: Where is the girl standing?

2025-06-09

The dog flew into a rage when it saw a pregnant woman…

2025-06-09

Test your eyesight: Where is the duck hiding?

2025-06-09

Nail salons don’t tell you this. What you should know before you apply your nail polish…

2025-06-09
Copyright © 2024. Designed by Lindi.
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.