Girl Scouts: Don't force daughters to hug, kiss relatives

<p>The Girl Scouts of America posted an article on their website instructing parents not to encourage their daughters to hug or kiss relatives just because that person wants them to.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 22, 2017, 10:28 PM

Updated 2,339 days ago

Share:

Girl Scouts: Don't force daughters to hug, kiss relatives
The Girl Scouts of America posted an article on their website instructing parents not to encourage their daughters to hug or kiss relatives just because that person wants them to.
The blog post entitled "Reminder: She Doesn't Owe Anyone a Hug. Not Even at the Holidays" aims to teach kids about consent at an early age. 
Laura Ahearn, of Parents for Megan's Law, says it's a great lesson for all children.
"It's a step in the right direction…Physical contact is about a decision someone gets to make. Not about someone telling them to do it," says Ahearn. 
Jason Pastore, of Central Islip, says he understands the thought process behind the warning but doesn't expect to make any changes in his home this holiday season. 
"I think you should hug and kiss your family as much as you possibly can," says Pastore. 
The Girl Scouts' post isn't recommending a total ban on hugs and kisses this holiday season. The article points out that it is "lovely" if a young girl wants to express affection, as it's her decision.


More from News 12
2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

1:46
Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

2:00
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

0:26
Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

0:14
Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

1:50
Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road