Is it "wrong" to hug kids?

78% Normal
17 Comments

I work with kids 8-14 and I mean with all the political correctness or whatever and people getting sued even for giving CPR is it really that big of a risk to hug a kid? They actually went over it in training but were kind of vague, what I gathered is if you're a guy you have to turn away so your junk doesn't touch them? Something weird like that. But I'm a girl and I would kneel down, this kid really needs a hug hes shy and cries everyday and says he's worthless. I'm not good at socializing in general so all I did was pat his back and say "aww it's okay" what should I do when a kid is really sad like that? is it normal I really want to hug him or will I get in trouble? Of course i would ask him if he wants a hug before I do it.

Voting Results
78% Normal
Based on 32 votes (25 yes)
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Comments ( 17 )
  • anti-hero
    8 years ago | pl

    Ask first and it should be fine.

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  • charli.m
    8 years ago

    I was taught in a daycare setting, it's only appropriate to hug a child if they initiate the hug.

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  • Steve2.0
    8 years ago

    Don't hug kids. Don't hug anyone. Don't even hug yourself. It's disgusting. BLEUGH!!!

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  • Pseodonihm
    8 years ago

    If the kid needs a hug, give him a hug. Who cares what other people think. You work with children. Then in my opinion, hugging should be part of your job. I would never leave my child in the hands of someone who is afraid of them.

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  • thegypsysailor
    8 years ago

    I think it really depends on where this is, right down to what is socially acceptable in that particular area.
    If you are in the US, the people are so litigious that even as a young woman, I would hesitate to touch someone's child.
    It really sucks for the children who would benefit from a bit of support and affection, but the rule of thumb these days has to be; cover your own ass. Especially when one is working with children.

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    • Shackleford96
      8 years ago

      Hey, did you know that you are using that semicolon wrong?

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      • thegypsysailor
        8 years ago

        It's been 50 years since I left high school; ya think?

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        • Shackleford96
          8 years ago

          It doesn't matter when you left high school. There's always room for improvement. I've seen that you usually try to be clear and concise with your comments as well as using the proper punctuation and grammar. That doesn't go unnoticed. Especially on a site where, I assume, most people don't even use a traditional computer to access anymore. It's nice to see users who try to type correctly, and thus actually care about using English properly.

          I wasn't being hateful towards you either. I just thought you should know. I've seen you point out mistakes from others on here, so it's only right that you should be aware of your own too.

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  • I'm-not-a-bitch
    8 years ago

    It's not wrong to hug that kid if your intention was to calm him down and support him. It's the sign of being caring.

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  • JakeS
    8 years ago

    I work in childcare with little children they give me hugs when I come in, I think you should be more careful though if you work with older kids.

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  • horny_simpletons
    8 years ago

    Well I've worked at a daycare and the kids hug me. It's fine if they want a hug, as long as it's not pervy in any way.

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  • GiveMeAFuckingNameAlready!
    8 years ago

    It's wrong if you get a boner.

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  • westoptic
    8 years ago

    It depends on the situation and the child in question. I would get down to their level, and open up my arms to invite them into the gesture, and if they didn't willingly come towards me for a hug, I would stop the hug and assume they are uncomfortable/not consenting to it.

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  • gloryholeflasher
    8 years ago

    In our screwed up society it's got to the point where a person can be arrested and prosecuted for even doing the right thing, or doing nothing at all, so if it was me I would opt for doing the right thing and hope for the best. The child you described needs a hug like somebody wandering in the desert needs a drink of water. You being a trained and experienced professional should be expected to recognize and meet that child's need. Just be careful to maintain proper boundaries. This child might try to cling to you like a drowning person does to their rescuer.

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  • Goomats
    8 years ago

    It's not wrong to hug kids. That's ridiculous...unless it was a pervy/gropey hug.

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  • theseeker
    8 years ago

    I suppose it's possible to get into trouble for hugging a kid, but I think it's ridiculous and I would hope that would be unlikely in this case. To me hugging is meant to be a friendly gesture. If your intentions aren't sexual, then I don't know why you would get into trouble.

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  • Short4Words
    8 years ago

    You're a woman so unless you're fucking them you should be alright.

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