Are You a Hugger?

[SignMeUp]

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.

Me too - I mostly let children or families set that tone. If a child wants a hug, or if a parent tells them to hug me, I always give them one, but some want to and some don't.
We've always found a hello/goodbye routine for each child between us, and for naptime "night-nights" too.
Sometimes I'm surprised by which children want big hugs

[Hunni Bee]

Nope.

I hug back if they hug me or if they're truly upset about something, but I'm a huge personal space person.

I will stroke hair, hold hands, pat shoulders...but all the lap-sitting, picking up, tickling...I leave for mom and dad.

My dear little problem guy likes to hug my butt...I HATE it but like most things with him, the more irritating something is to other people the more fun it is for him.

[melilley]

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

[sahm1225]

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

This. It makes me uncomfortable to hug adults. With kids, it's different and I hug them or riffle their hair.

[renodeb]

We are all different. I 'am very much a hugger but I don't force it on any one. I feel like I have formed a bond with each child here and I gage which children really respond to that. There are definitely various degrees of affection. I would not worry about it. Your not a weirdo at all.
Deb

[jenboo]

I huge and kiss most of the kids goodbye and throughout the day.
There are a couple where I just dont connect with them..usually if they started when they were over 2... I fall in love with all babies.

[KiddieCahoots]

Not since the lice episode! Lol!
Still in that wary/icky mind set.

But on other regular occasions, if the child initializes it, and not using it as a manipulative tactic to butter me up, then sure!

[Janiam]

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.

This exactly! I try very hard not to touch my face during the day while working and I definatly don't want the kids to. But I do give out lots of hugs :hug:

[Unregistered]

Yes, big hugger here!