

No, your kids don't have to hug Auntie Amazing. Even if she bought them a pony.
Kids do not like to be forced to provide affection on demand any more than grown ups do. Yet, we continue to do it to them. Here are some thoughts on why that is and some suggestions to help get you through the awkward moments. Teach kids bodily integrity: Your kids are perfectly capable of making decisions about who they want to hug and kiss, and who they do not want to hug and kiss. If your kids do not want to show affection to someone, and you force or even ask them to,