Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Children often meet with a much larger circle of their parents' friends and relatives at Christmas than at other times of the year. Shutterstock/bambambu
lunch crunch
Poll: Do you agree that children shouldn't be instructed to hug extended family members?
Give it to us straight. Be honest.
THERE HAS BEEN a good deal of debate around a warning issued by the Girl Scouts of the USA in the run-up to the festive season.
The organisation said that parents should not force their children to hug relatives they meet at family gatherings over Christmas. “The lessons girls learn when they’re young about setting physical boundaries and expecting them to be respected last a lifetime, and can influences how she feels about herself and her body as she gets older.”
Do you think this is a warning you would heed if you had/have children? Do you agree that children should not be instructed to give hugs to family friends or relatives (let’s say, outside of the inner family circle with whom they are very comfortable)?
Poll Results:
Yes, I would leave it up to them (5868)
No, I don't agree with the warning (3956)
Not sure (934)
have your say