While parents would like their children to show affection to their relatives, forcing them to hug or kiss them is not a good idea. As a result, it can have both short- and long-term adverse effects on children.
First and foremost, forcing children to hug or kiss someone they are uncomfortable with can breach their boundaries and violate their feelings. As a result, they may associate physical affection with negative emotions and develop a distrust of others, especially regarding touch. It can also lead to a child feeling pressured to perform appreciation even when they don’t want to, leading to anxiety or stress.
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Moreover, telling a child to hug or kiss someone they don’t know or feel comfortable with can confuse them. They may feel overwhelmed, scared, or not understand why they are being asked. They may feel guilty for not showing affection to their relatives due to feeling unsure about their feelings and emotions.
It is also essential to consider that by forcing children to hug or kiss their relatives, parents may message that touching them without their consent is okay. A traumatized or abused child may find this particularly disturbing since it may trigger feelings of discomfort or fear.
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Children should be able to control their bodies and establish their boundaries. Children should always be encouraged to be polite and show affection to others while respecting their boundaries and allowing them to choose for themselves.
A child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being can be negatively impacted by being forced to hug or kiss their relatives. Parents should instead focus on fostering respect for boundaries while encouraging their children to be kind and show affection in whatever works best for them.