Are You a Hugger?

[MissAnn]

I'm not! It just doesn't come naturally to me. My mother died when I was just 5 years old and I didn't get many hugs after that. I LOVE kids and yes, I hug them.....but usually not when parents are around. It's kind of awkward because the kids don't naturally hug me either. Kids will run to each other to hug goodbye but bypass me. It makes me feel really bad.....but I'm the one who puts out the "I'm not much of a hugger" vibe.

Geez...this makes me look awful! Please tell me I'm not the only one.

[hsdcmama]

I am a hugger, once I get to know the kids. I kind of take some time to develop some sort of bond with each child before I become a "hugger", unless the kid comes up to me & wants a hug. Then I will always give them one, regardless of how I feel about it, bc if the kid shows/feels love that way and I deny it, he/she may feel rejected. It doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out hug, but just a simple squeeze is enough to show a "hugger child" that you care. Also, some kids like hugs, and others do not. For me, it's about figuring out how each child feels loved & cared for, more so than just hugging each and every one bc that's what we're "supposed to do".

[Indoorvoice]

I'm not a hugger at all! I just don't think to do it. I feel like the kids still know I love them though. They're always excited to be here and I don't think my lack of hugging affects them at all.

[Crazy8]

Nope, I am not much of a hugger either.

[nannyde]

:hug::hug::hug:

Yes big time

[DaveA]

I'm a "conditional hugger." With kids it doesn't bother me. With adults not so much. I prefer my space not invaded.

[Kimskiddos]

I'm not a natural hugger but it is easier with the kiddos. I usually get a good morning and see you tomorrow hug from all my kiddos. Then will give them a hug during the day if they ask or it's needed.

[Unregistered]

I hug the babies all the time, though not so much when parents are around. I really only hug older ones if they come to me or if they are hurt or scared or something. I am so not a huggy person generally.

[SquirrellyMama]

I'm not a hugger, but I have one dcb who is. I was always fine hugging my own kids, and will sometimes hug dcks. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

Kelly

[Baby Beluga]

I'm a hugger within my own family. Not so much with DCKs.

[MissAnn]

Glad to know I'm not a total weirdo!

[morgan24]

I hug the kids but I'm not a hugger of adults at all.

[taylorw1210]

I'm not a hugger until I form a pretty good bond with my daycare kids.

[NightOwl]

Yes, the bond has to be there first. And I don't care how bonded we are, DON'T TOUCH MY FACE. It gives me the heeby jeebies just thinking about it.

[daycarediva]

I'm a hugger once I get to know the kids.

I do like that some of my dck's are just NOT huggers though. One less kid asking for a hug. :: I high 5 them, give knucks, ruffle their hair, etc. So they get touch, just not in hug form. If I wasn't a hugger, I would do a secret handshake or something to say goodbye.