Hug your kids

I don't think you should need a 'Hug your kids day' to remember to hug your kids. There are lots of reasons to hug your kids and hugging has become a lot more common today than in decades gone by.

Many friends hug to greet each other, and I've even been hugged by a stranger when greeting each other in a business context! I was a bit surprised but it was ok.

I think we should hug our kids regularly so they know how to show care and affection. Take a minute to think about what kinds of situations we hug...

* to greet other people - usually people we know well like family and friends
* to show love and affection
* to show care, compassion and comfort like if someone has hurt themselves or suffered a loss
* some people like to give long hugs and cuddles when they've been apart for a while

There are times my toddler likes to sit on my lap. He doesn't want to sit next to me, he has to sit right on top of me! There are kids that aren't so touchy-feely so let kids come to you when they want a cuddle, or ask them if they want a cuddle. Sometimes I say 'can I have a cuddle' and if it's ok with them, I get a cuddle!

I've just reviewed the picture book 'Hogs Hate Hugs' and it got me thinking about hugs. Do your kids like hugs?