I know this was discussed a good while ago but I have been experiencing this with my own child and I would like to hear what you guys think.

Do you/will you force your kids to hug/kiss relatives or friends when the adults expect it? Like when saying hi or goodbye, etc.

I believe children should have full body autonomy except for in circumstances where it is absolutely necessary (doctors visits and the like).

As a child, I had no body autonomy. My father and mother kissed me on the lips and actually only stopped doing so when I was 30 and finally spoke up about how uncomfortable it made me. My father used to tickle my sister and I as children and even young adults, we were forced to hug relatives and kiss our grandparents because it’s what they expected - with no thought as to how it made my sister and I feel.

Totally related, we have enormous issues with respect with my father, not just for physical boundaries but emotional boundaries as well so I understand that my case is a little extreme.

My question is, if you came to my house and expressed interest in petting my cat and I told you that he is skittish of new people and prefers to get to know you before being picked up or stroked, I can almost guarantee you would understand and leave the car alone. Why aren’t children allowed to express affection in their own time and on their own terms?

Please no outright nastiness but I am interested to hear both sides!