Always A Child Doesn’t Want To Give A Kiss And That’s OK

In many cultures, cheek kissing is a very common way to greet. Thus, some parents force their children to act in accordance with this practice in general social situations.

As the child grows, he learns to respect and set boundaries. This also includes emotional boundaries. It is important that the child learns that he or she has the right not to give a cheek kiss if he or she does not want to do so.

Giving kisses to young children is about expressing love. They learn to kiss their parents to spontaneously show their affection. This is a completely different matter than giving an unknown person a cheek kiss according to some social habit.

Before a child is forced to kiss an unknown or even relative, it is a good idea to ask if he or she is comfortable with the matter.

Adults choose between kissing and shaking hands, and the same should apply to children.

Sometimes parents mistakenly think that refusing to kiss a child is misbehaving.  However, there are other ways to be well-behaved, and this is also true for small people.

Shaking hands or clapping your back are equally accepted ways to greet in countries where it is customary to give cheek kisses.

When a child doesn’t want to give a cheek kiss, it can be more than just an attitude

It would be good for all parents to talk to their children about love and manners.

Showing love should be a spontaneous reaction when a person feels love, while certain ways show respect for other people.

Even if a child should greet with respect for adults, he or she does not have to show affection if he or she does not want to do so.

Minors should not be forced to give mouthfuls or hugs if they do not want to. This refusal can be a way for children to set boundaries with strangers.

Some experts believe that the obligation to give cheek kisses can make children vulnerable.

Most children accept the affections and behaviors they accept. This attitude exposes the child to possible abuse or harassment.

In general,  child abuse is most prevalent by those close to you. It can occur in a situation where a minor consents to “showing affection”. When a child is forced to show affection, he cannot say no to physical contact.

Kisses and obedience

Duty is related to a concept called obedience. In society, the definition of a child’s  obedience is related to him doing what his parents order him to do, regardless of whether the parents are right or not.

This causes the child to end up in a situation where he or she is submissive or vulnerable. So before children are taught to be obedient, they must be taught to defend their own standards and be selective.

Why should a child’s decision not to kiss be respected?

First, the  child is taught that he owns his own body. He is able to decide when he wants to be in physical contact and with whom, and in addition, he distinguishes between showing affection and respect.

If a child makes decisions about his or her own body, this makes him or her less vulnerable to harassment.

This also applies to bullying, as consent can cause a child to accept being ridiculed in order to fit in with other children.

Teaching children to make their own decisions gives them a better sense of self.

A child who sets his own rules becomes a confident adult. The role of parents is to be a companion in this process.

In the same way, the child  learns to respect people’s own space. Not all adults react the same way to a child – some are insecure when accompanied by children.

Do not force your child to give cheek kisses to strangers. This way, you can prevent him or her from experiencing uncomfortable things, such as situations of exploitation or combating.

One thing that’s good to keep in mind when it comes to small people and cheek kisses is confusion. Young children are more impulsive, which can make them want to give kisses to just about anyone. Thus, they are more vulnerable to exploitation and rejection.

Finally, it takes such a thing that giving kisses to children can also be a  health issue. Forcing children to give cheek kisses can expose them to viral or contact illnesses.