My preschooler loves to give hugs. How can I complain about that? Well, I don’t know but I will give it the ole college try. Now understand that I do love her hugs. She gives great big bear hugs and squeezes her little arms tightly around your neck. It is very sweet and especially lovely since the other kids no longer hug like that. Yet, there is another side to her hugs. The side that says I must hug you for every one of life’s occurrences.
She hugs…
About 70 times before I walk out of the door and even then sometimes she opens the door and wants me to come back and hug her again.
Anytime she gets in trouble or has to be corrected either mildly or firmly rather than communicate or answer questions she simply says, “huggie”. She can not think straight, concentrate or get herself together unless she gets the hug.
Just walking around through the house she may lean on me or her father or one of her siblings and hug. Which is not a problem except then you cannot move or she gets offended and wants to be hugged again.
She will squeeze her big sister almost to death when her big sister gets mad at her for touching a priceless Barbie or Polly Pocket dress.
Before bed she will hug about ten times. If you do not hug as she request she will get offended, have a very sad look, hold up her arms and say “huggie”.
Oddly she is well adjusted in every other area of her life. She is bright, funny, and creative but needs hugs all the time. This is a new phase for her. She was always affectionate but this is getting over the top. I suspect it is a simple matter of needing reassurance as 3 year olds often need. She is just getting into the preschool years and leaving behind the toddler years. So, we will hug and hug and hug and hug and again hug. Yes, I am complaining a bit but I often go up to her and pick her up and give her a huge hug randomly as well. Even with all the hugging she provides there are times I cannot help myself. It is one of those little phases that you cannot wait to end but will be sad to see go.