Allow Your Children to Be a Part of a Loving Community
Not all of us are touchy-feely by nature. In fact, some of us cringe when anyone (sometimes even a significant other) touches us at all. I’m not saying that you have to have your child witness you hug strangers. However, it could be beneficial to allow them to see that you and others in your immediate family and social circles are loving, and sometimes it is okay to show it. Also, keep in mind that your children will likely vary in the ways that they express their love for you and for one another. For instance, one of my sons will greet me with a hug while I am lucky to get a hug (read: an awkward tap on the back) once a year on my birthday from my other son.
It’s important not to force your child to express their love or other emotions in a certain way that they may not be comfortable with. That they learn from a young age that their body is their own and that they have the right to do with it what they wish. For instance, if a grandparent asks for a hug and your child says no, it’s important to respect their wishes. This will allow for a better understanding of healthy boundaries, which is a lesson I wish more people were taught at an early age.