Hugging is a social skill for kids of all abilities to learn - both giving and receiving. Hugging is kinesthetic contact and non-verbal expression as explained below.

Hugging with body parts above the waist touching carry messages of care or concern or greeting. And conversely, hugs with body parts below the waist touching may include care and concern, but they also are part of interaction between adults.

What kids need to learn is to give hugs with their arms and upper bodies.

Greetings in western societies

Did you know that in many western world societies giving a firm hand shake is hand to hand with arms extended, or the greeting may be face to face and holding each other on the upper arms while kissing cheek to cheek 1, 2 or 3 times.

The point is in western culture kinesthetic human touch is the accepted greeting or parting ritual, or a sign of caring.

"Received with open arms" is an expression that can be used metaphorically or actually. In thought it means to embrace an idea wholeheartedly, try it out, maybe make it part of your own. In practice it means to take into your arms one that needs comfort, and to give that comfort and assurance that yes, you will be all right, or I empathize with what you are going through.

In summary, learning to give and receive hugs is part of non-verbal communication. Hugs using arms and upper bodies signify greeting, care, concern, congratulations.

Safety tip for hugging

In teaching our kids how to hug appropriately, let's emphasize that a kid and adult hugging each other should only be in a kid appropriate way.

To read about Amma, the living hugging saint, click here.

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Article by Susan Kramer