Let Your Child Choose a Greeting
Whensomeone offers your child a hug or kiss
Offer a wave, a hello, a high-five or no touch, and accept their choice. If an adult presses, calmly speak for your child: “They’re choosing a wave today.” Never make affection the price of politeness.
Why it works
A warm welcome does not need to borrow your child’s body.
Start tiny
Say “A wave is fine” and honor it.
What you’ll notice
You can be friendly to relatives while backing your child’s choice.
When it slips
If you blurt “Give them a hug,” correct yourself immediately: “You can choose.” Let the adult’s disappointment stay with the adult. Adapt: Birth–1: protect baby from unwanted passing around and read cues. 1–3: offer simple non-touch choices. 3–6: let child choose their own greeting.
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: What Parents Need to Know. Read the source ↗ Body-autonomy guidance; the greeting script is an editorial adaptation, not a prevention guarantee.
Foundation: Small recurring actions with little setup. Choose anchors that fit your day.
