What do you say/do when a child tries to give you a cuddle? It's a crazy world and it's so innocent for a child, but I always freeze/panic as a child approaches looking for a cuddle, gently pushing them away saying sorry, I don't give cuddles, which I always think sounds horrible.

I would like to use a different line to make it sound better and maybe more humorous.

I say just do it as its better for you to get down to there level and let them hug you then them to hug you when you are stood up and they are one up to the top of your leg just my thoughts

It is difficult, generally it's not the child or the parents that's the problem but the PC Brigade,

I just allow the child to hug, I don't hug back - keep my hands in view and thank them, so far it hasn't been a problem.

It's not a situation that has arisen very much for me but then I don't do anywhere near as much work as those of you who are full time.

If they want a cuddle just get on your knees & give them a cuddle, it's normally when an adult is about, hopefully were all in this for the right reasons & the children just want a cuddle to thank you for making their party & day. Sod the pc brigade, I even make guns & swords for the children as well. The children have a lifetime with there parents & only an hour with me  so one would hope that the way the children behave & are brought up is down to there parents & not the hour spent with me, although I do appreciate that the children could well be influenced by us as they really believe in magic especially after seeing my show  :lol:

Graham Lee

We agree and cuddle them ( but make sure the adults can see) we do work with special needs and I dont know anyone in teh world who would dare say to a Downs person - No you can not cuddle me - it show they say hello and just so much a part of them to give cuddles:

stuff the pc brigade - maybe if they had more cuddles they would understand their importance.

Pam

When a child hugs me I just make sure that I keep my hands visible.  I pat them on their head or their shoulder.  Well, all except the couple of toddlers that have hugged me from behind and buried their nose where they shouldn't have... Those kids I jumped away from.  :lol:  :lol:

Bonnie, The Balloon Lady

as a mum of youngish children, i just go into mum mode! awh thank you darling and give a small hug back. god what an awful world for the kids growing up without the reassurance of physical touch. when i paint often the kids put their hands on my legs, its like arrghhh, it is bloody awful scenario where everything you do you have to think about how it looks. quite a lot of the time when other kids watch they come right up and rest on me to watch the other child being painted. Probably cos i am squishy mummy type!! As for special needs how can you not display/receive affection? impossible.

I have yet to have this hsppen except by family members or children who are close family friends but I think I would respond  as is previously mentioned and allow it but make sure it is all in view hands in appropriate postions, as a parent I know my kids would give hugs as signs of appreciation and I also agree with teh fact it is a sad world e live in that we worry about what people may think.
BTW I am not a PC supporter so this may not be the best opinion in the world  

Quote from: "Graham Lee"If they want a cuddle just get on your knees & give them a cuddle, it's normally when an adult is about, hopefully were all in this for the right reasons & the children just want a cuddle to thank you for making their party & day. Sod the pc brigade, I even make guns & swords for the children as well. The children have a lifetime with there parents & only an hour with me  so one would hope that the way the children behave & are brought up is down to there parents & not the hour spent with me, although I do appreciate that the children could well be influenced by us as they really believe in magic especially after seeing my show  :lol:

Graham Lee

have you made a hand grenade once? XD