Understanding consent starts at home, and the holiday season is a good time to visit the fundamentals and practice personal boundaries. We tell kids, "Keep your hands to yourself." But we also ...

Story continues below. I tell the abuelos and tías ahead of time that my kids don't want hugs and kisses and repeat this when they inevitably forget in their excitement at being together.

Many developmental pediatricians are reminding parents to reconsider that age-old tradition of forcing kids to hug or kiss friends and family members.

When you force kids to hug — even if it's a relative — it sends them the wrong message about their bodily autonomy and whether their opinion matters.

What Is 'Gentle Parenting'? Why It Requires Much More Than Just Hugs, Kisses and Kindness Story by Renee Hanlon • 8mo ...

Story continues below. I tell the abuelos and tías ahead of time that my kids don't want hugs and kisses and repeat this when they inevitably forget in their excitement at being together.