Don't force kids to hug or kiss people... even grandma or grandpa

Holidays are all about love and joy but if your child doesn't feel comfortable sharing hugs, don't force her. Photo: AFP

A gentle holiday reminder about kids and forced hugs: Don’t. Girl Scouts of the United States of America offers the following evergreen advice, which it just released to help families prepare for a season of gatherings.

“Holidays and family get-togethers are a time for yummy food, sweet traditions, funny stories, and lots and lots of love,” reads an article on GirlScouts.org. “But they could, without you even realising it, also be a time when your daughter gets the wrong idea about consent and physical affection.”