My DS (now 18 mos) is the same way - loves to hug and kiss (and he's never had much stranger anxiety, so he hugs everyone). Adults are either charmed or shocked, and yeah, other kids tend to get a little confused or upset. I just re-direct, remind him that people like gentle hugs (he can be pretty enthusiastic, kind of like a bulldozer - hugs become tackles!), etc. I think it's helped that the slightly older boy that he spends several mornings a week with decided he'd had enough and started tackling back... Luckily my son is actually more reserved and gentle with younger kids (even if they're actually bigger than he is, which is often the case with my little one...). Lately he's more into kissing (now complete with pucker and smack) than hugging, and more interested in kissing adults (maybe since they kiss back). In fact, today he pushed his scooter into my legs, I said "ouch!", he kissed it and made it better, and I don't need to tell you that he did it again...and again...and again...
It's a hard one, because you're right, you don't want to squash her. Mmm, I think just keep doing what you're doing. I know that doesn't sound very helpful, but like most things at this age it does seem to work itself out.
It's a hard one, because you're right, you don't want to squash her. Mmm, I think just keep doing what you're doing. I know that doesn't sound very helpful, but like most things at this age it does seem to work itself out.
