Touch is a funny thing. We all crave it and need it. But, some of us are leery of it, for a variety of reasons. Once mom believes that even in a world full of legitimate reasons for valuing personal space, even understanding that young children need to understand that their bodies are sacrosanct and should not be invaded by anyone, nor should they feel free to invade another person’s body, even in such a world the importance of hugging should not be denied.

Hugs lift spirits, heal bodies, and bind hearts. Occasionally, people will throw up a wall, or act as if their space has been violated, such is life. This mom believes that while its important to teach her children that not everyone is a hug-espouser and personal preferences should be respected, always, it’s still very worthwhile to give away as many hugs as one can.

Key Takeaways:

• Although hugging is a form of affectionate bonding, consent and personal space are also important concepts.
• One teacher used the words “hula hoops” to remind over-eager huggers to picture a giant hula hoop of personal space around their own body and the body of those around them.
• Huggers can learn to read social cues, to better pick the right moment to cross the social boundaries with a hug.

“I want my little guy to be like this — to be the guy who knows when crossing that social boundary is the right thing.”

Read more: http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1139849/raising-huggers