My 22 mo DS likes to hug other children. Of late he has been more often aiming for the older age range, up to 10 yrs or so but he still hugs his own age range. It seems to be particularly girls, but I?m fairly sure that is because the old boys are generally running about and playing on their bikes, so he doesn?t get the opportunity.
Because he hasn?t quite learn how to approach things slowly yet, generally he does go in to the cuddle with some velocity ? he is 13.5 kg and fairly strong, so with a similarly aged child often this end in a pile on the ground or which a little bit of perceived shoving. Older children are much better as they don?t tend to fall over when he goes to them.
From parents I generally get a ?Aww? cute comment or a giggle at his antics. Occasionally the look that comes back is one of bemusement and once I?ve had the ?what is your child doing to mine? look. The younger children occasionally cuddle back, the 5 ? 7 children usually cuddle back, 12 year old girls seem to look in horror (no I don't want a 22 mo boyfriend).
I don?t want to totally inhibit this behaviour, as I?d rather have an affectionate boy over one that hits any day. However, at this age he can get away with it. I?m sure that there is a age where he won?t (not sure what that age would be).
Plus there is the inherent danger in cuddling strange people ? fortunately he never does it with adults. But that doesn't mean there is no risk.
So what are the best ways to manage this behaviour such that he stays safe but also learns appropriateness?