I identified with the question from “No Hugs, Please!”

When I was a kid, we had an uncle who made me uncomfortable with his insistence on hugging the kids in the family.

I’m not saying he was a creep, but I found all sorts of ways to avoid him. I wish my folks had taught me that it was OK to just say that I didn’t want to be hugged.

– Don’t Hug Me

Dear Don’t: Parents should encourage their kids to use their voices – while understanding telling your child that when you say “give hugs and kisses,” You’re essentially telling your child that regardless of how he feels, it’s important to do what you say. So when you say “give hugs and kisses,”you’re implying that there will be negative consequences if they doesn’t do what you say.However, it’s all about reading your child’s signals and only hugging when they want to be hugged. Teach your child, “You’re in charge of your body and who touches it.” That’s a message that’s important for kids to carry with them throughout their lives.