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For families & teachers

They don't want to give kisses or hugs

Deciding about their own body helps them recognise and set boundaries.

What you can do

  1. 1Accept their “no” in front of others, without insisting or embarrassing them.
  2. 2Offer other ways to say hello: a high five, a wave, a smile.
  3. 3Explain it to the family: it isn't bad manners, it's learning to look after themselves.

You could say

“You decide how you say hello. You can give a high five if you prefer.”

In class

Put a sign on the door with different ways of saying hello and let each child choose their own.

Lila’s Planet is an educational resource. It is not therapy or treatment. If you're worried about how a child is doing, talk to their doctor, the school's support team or a children's mental health professional.