"Forcing kids to hug and kiss relatives and family friends teaches them their physical boundaries don't matter and that they don't have autonomy over their bodies."
"This is the reason why I offer a fist bump or wave as options for kids. Meets the 'polite greeting' mark, and since another adult is the one suggesting it, the parents don't usually complain."
Forcing children to hug or kiss relatives and family friends teaches children that their physical boundaries do not matter and that they lack autonomy over their bodies. Offering alternatives such as a fist bump or a wave allows children to fulfill polite greeting expectations without physical contact. When another adult suggests a non-contact greeting, parents are less likely to object and social norms are maintained. Providing explicit options reinforces consent, supports bodily autonomy, and models respectful boundary-setting for children in social situations. Children learn to assert preferences and adults model consent through offered choices.
Read at BuzzFeed
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