How to Hug a Child

By Ryn Gargulinski

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Child
Reason they should hug you
Gentle touch

Step 1:
Tell the child what’s coming. “Hi, kid. I would like to hug you.”
Step 2:
Explain why you need to hug them. “I’d like to give you a hug because you are such a fine little person.”
Step 3:
Get down on the kid’s level, which usually means squatting or kneeling, and get him to come to you.
Step 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.

Photo/Video Credit

Illustration by Ryn Gargulinski

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