"Hugs & Kisses" - Charlotte,NC

How wonderful that the child you love so very much is spending time in a place you selected, you presumably trusted and you hopefully understood his growth and development would continue and be facilitated in a healthy way. It sounds like he is outwardly expressing his safe, comfortable and content feelings. Brilliant!, yes?? Your son along with the other children are approximately 18 months old. They are learning how to be, communicate and move in the world. He is loved. He shares his love. If he shares his love in a way that unintentially hurts his pals, his teachers are hopefully just reinforcing gentleness with a gentle touch or gentle words. I would hope for your beautiful son's sake that he would continue to be "allowed" to show his emotions and express himself. I once heard a child development professional say that one must tell a "normal" two-year-old child something 2,000 times before it actually sinks in. Wow! That's a perspective for us! Good Luck!

He's 18 months old?!?!

I can't believe that they're telling you that with a straight face and not thinking it's adorable. Those other children don't feel uncomfortable, they're just wanting their "own space" at that time.

Don't change a thing- he not old enough to understand the laws of sexual harrassment...if you can even categorize it as that and I certainly don't think you should stop doting on him.

When he can have a conversation with you that he can fully comprehend OR if you see him doing it YOURSELF...then start to take action. While witnessing it- say, he/ she doesn't want kisses- just play or no, no only give hugs to mommy and daddy...little Jill doesn't want that.

But for you to practice it in your own home with no other children around, at this age- I don't think he'll completely understand. Just enjoy the fact that you have a wonderful, loveable little boy!

I don't really know what to tell you...I'm surprised the daycare hasn't any positive suggestions to help with this...Also, if they are making it seem like a negative thing I'd consider looking elsewhere for my child's care...A lot of children are kind and affectionate...I would have to think that it won't take too long for him to get the point since he isn't getting the response he's used to...I would also think the important thing here would be to help him know that it's okay that he wants to give hugs and kisses, but when you're hugging people you don't know it just makes them feel uncomfortable and maybe after time of getting to know him that maybe then it would be okay to give hugs....hope this is somewhat helpful...Good luck!

You could try telling him that hugs and kisses are only for Mommy, Daddy and Grandparents he's a little young so it may take some time before he totally understands what you are saying to him. I do not think this is the type of thing he should be punished for. Sounds like he is a well loved little boy.

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My 19 month old son is also a hugger and kisser. He gives hugs and kisses to everyone in his playgroup, so I know what you are experiencing. Sometimes the other children get upset, but he sees that and he backs off. I wouldn't change my son's loving nature for anything. I think he's the sweetest thing and I love that he expresses his affection towards others. I think that at this age this behavior is not innapropriate at all. I sincerely hope that the day care providers are not scolding your son for being a lovebug. If they are, I would switch day care centers immediately. Good luck to you and BIG HUGS AND KISSES TO YOUR SON! Enjoy all the hugs and love while you can. Before you know it he'll be a teenager!!!

I do not think that you should discipline (in what ever form you decide works for your family)him for this. He is just showing love in the way you have shown him. I think it is wonderful that he is loved so much at home that he wants to share it with others. It shows that he is not shy either.
I also understand the day care provider not wanting him kissing all the other children, but I would think that would be something they (the workers) were used to. My son, now 6 yrs,was always very loving. I guess that is why I don't see why they are making a big deal about it. I would just explain to your son, in the best way you can for a toddler, that kisses are for mommy & daddy & other family members. Maybe make a photo album of his family members & have him hug & kiss on their pictures so that he learns those are the people he can love on.