Lifestyle
Girl Scouts Say Don’t Force Your Kids to Hug During the Holidays
This holiday season, the Girl Scouts want to remind people that there are a very important set of feelings involved in whether or not a child refuses to give a friend or family member a hug. Many children don’t want to be touched and held by people, and it’s OK for them to make their own decision concerning physical affection. And, an embrace or a kiss shouldn’t be mandatory as a “thank you” for a gift.
KHOU writes that the Girl Scouts have sparked much discussion over their blog article titled “Reminder: She doesn’t Owe Anyone a Hug. Not Even at the Holidays.” KHOU found that some people didn’t see the point in the article, like Victoria Bacanurschi, who said she thinks it’s “totally appropriate and normal” for children to be expected to hug their family members. Stephen Wigler, on the other hand, said he appreciated seeing a new perspective. “I never thought about it before but they’re absolutely right. It made me feel, just different about the way I hug my four nieces whom I love very much. I will ask them first on Thursday if they mind,” he said. The discussion on whether or not a child feels comfortable giving a hug to a family member or friend may be a good one to have with kids prior to the family gatherings that take place from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. The open discussion might give much-needed insight into how a child feels, which may otherwise be overlooked.
