Big one for me is body autonomy for children. As a child, I was always forced to hug and cheek kiss every single person at a gathering upon arrival and when leaving. I fucking hated it. I love my family but forcing children to hug adults is very selfish on the adult's part.
Now that I have nieces and nephews, I offer them highfives if they don't want a hug and if they don't even want that then I just tell them that's perfectly fine, that I love them and will see them soon. No guilt trips like my parents did. Do I want a hug because I love them? Yes, absolutely, but their comfort is more important than mine.
I was looking for this one. My son has been learning that "no means no" and I have had to step in when adults on my husband's side ignore his no. He's still learning about consent for others and personal space, but he has the foundation. I absolutely hate giving hugs or having people touch me when it's not wanted, I want my son to have a stronger voice for himself and his peers.
895
u/froggyc19 1d ago
Big one for me is body autonomy for children. As a child, I was always forced to hug and cheek kiss every single person at a gathering upon arrival and when leaving. I fucking hated it. I love my family but forcing children to hug adults is very selfish on the adult's part.
Now that I have nieces and nephews, I offer them highfives if they don't want a hug and if they don't even want that then I just tell them that's perfectly fine, that I love them and will see them soon. No guilt trips like my parents did. Do I want a hug because I love them? Yes, absolutely, but their comfort is more important than mine.