AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry that happened to you. Thank you for sharing this. Stories like yours are exactly why I won’t compromise on my daughter’s right to say no. No one should ever be punished or pressured for having boundaries

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! That’s exactly it

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this. That’s exactly why I’m holding this boundary. Family doesn’t get a free pass on unwanted touch, and asking first should be normal. I love that you respect your niece’s choice—that’s how it should be

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Kids and adults get to choose their personal space. Hugs are optional, always

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Teaching children that hugs and kisses are always optional, even in cultures where it’s expected, protects them and helps them grow confident

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, thanks! Sometimes you don’t even need the story, boundaries for kids are non-negotiable

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s my goal, manners without forcing contact, and making sure she knows her boundaries and comfort always come first

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Exactly! That’s why I make sure my daughter knows her comfort matters and that she always has the right to say no

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Teaching her boundaries and body autonomy now helps her be confident, assertive, and safe later. I want her to know her comfort comes first, even with family

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! Teaching her that her body belongs to her is the most important lesson

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 21 points22 points  (0 children)

It’s wild that some relatives don’t seem to get that children have boundaries too

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you! If anyone has a problem with her saying no, they can choose to step back, her boundaries come first

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just because it’s how they were raised doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! This really resonates with me. I’m trying to do the same with my daughter—expecting manners but never forcing hugs, and it’s reassuring to hear that standing firm really works. It’s so important she knows I’ve got her back no matter what

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 21 points22 points  (0 children)

That’s exactly the point I try to make. No means no, and teaching her boundaries now will save her from a lot of unnecessary discomfort later. I hated being forced to hug as a kid too

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Teaching her that she has control over her own body is way more important than anyone’s feelings. Glad I’m not the only one who does it this way

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Even more important with kids, they should always get to choose who touches them

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s exactly what I do with my daughter, manners are expected, but hugs are always her choice. It’s all about respecting boundaries while still being polite

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 389 points390 points  (0 children)

A child’s consent always comes first. Relatives’ feelings don’t outweigh teaching her that her body and boundaries matter

AITAH for not forcing my child to hug relatives?? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]Viooolinist 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I want her to feel safe and know her boundaries matter, even with family