How to Hug a Child

As much as we all love grandma, sometimes as kids we felt crushed by her overpowering hugs. Heck, sometimes as adults we felt crushed by her overpowering hugs. It’s even worse when a virtual stranger tries to hug a child by squeezing the kid hard enough that bones will break. Hugging a child can be a wonderful experience, for you and the child, with a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Child
• Reason they should hug you
• Gentle touch

1. Tell the child what’s coming. “Hi, kid. I would like to hug you.”

2. Explain why you need to hug them. “I’d like to give you a hug because you are such a fine little person.”

3. Get down on the kid’s level, which usually means squatting or kneeling, and get him to come to you.

4. Gently wrap your arms around the child’s shoulder and give a soft squeeze.

Tips & Warnings

• If the kid doesn’t want to hug you, don’t make him.
• Unless you are a relative, get the parents’ permission to hug their child or you may get arrested in this day and age of paranoia 101.
• Don’t chase after a kid just to give him a hug. That’s like chasing a dog to give him a bath. Neither one is going to let you catch him if he can help it.
• Don’t smush, suffocate or otherwise mangle the kid in a straight jacket embrace.
• Don't randomly pick kids to hug off the street.