09/12/2026
I DON’T CARE IF YOU’RE GRANDMA, GRANDPA, AUNTIE OR UNCLE. MY CHILD DOESN’T OWE YOU A HUG.
A lot of us grew up hearing, “Go give them a hug. Don’t be rude.” Even when we didn’t want to, refusing somehow became disrespectful..
In our house, I’ll teach my children to greet people, use their manners and treat family with respect. But if they don’t want to hug or kiss someone, I’m not forcing their body to say yes after they already said no.
Call it disrespectful. Call it making children too sensitive. I’d rather deal with an offended adult than teach my child that keeping an adult comfortable matters more than their own boundaries.
Respect can be taught without teaching forced affection. ✍🏼