Does your (2 year old) toddler ever reject your affections?

[harkharkhark]

My DS will gladly be held, will climb all over you, will cuddle on request and kiss on request...but recently, on occasion, he's even started pushing me away when I try to kiss him. I probably don't pick my moments well (i.e. when he's really curious about something else). But does this happen to you? Should (I know there's no should, really...) be more affectionate?

My DD does this. I ask for a kiss and she says "no" or I go to give her a hug and she pushes me away.

Always because it is not on her terms - she wants to be doing something else or going somewhere else. 2 minutes later she will come back over and fling herself at me saying KISS!

Yes...my dd isn't much enamoured by hugs and kisses unless she's in the mood herself and instigates it. I think she just finds it a pain when she'd rather do something else tbh.
I don't worry about it. x

if you are worrying about something like ASD then don't, my DD has it and is very affectionate, that is not a red flag :)

Oh yes! Your DS has learned The Power Of No and is enjoying wielding it. I always look on it as a sign of security-my children aren't frightened little suck-ups who have to curry favour with me. They know I love them, so they can fearlessly tell me to push off when kissing doesn't suit.

I find it really irritating to be clambered on/pawed when I'm trying to do something else, so why shouldn't a child?

If you ask for a kiss or cuddle and they don't want one, just respect that and don't push it. No one is obliged is be affectionate on demand.

Oh yes. He's been doing it for years. He's 6 now.

I don't let it bother me anymore as I know he's just far too busy in his little mind and life to want to come and give his embarrassing mum a love

Still wants the biggest loves ever when tired or sick though.

Don't worry about it

Thanks all, appreciate it

yes, I suppose I do worry about ASD Fanjo, even though I know it's silly

It just sounds like he is entering the independent stage

I often get "No Kisses" from my 21 month old.

She does also ask for cuddles though so I try not to always take offence!

I have an 18-month-old DS so not quite 2 years yet, but he doesn't do kissing, no way! He's never liked anything near his face (apart from the boobie) and absolutely refuses kissing. But he looooveees hugging and cuddling though so I guess all is not lost:)!

Thanks all - yes, Fanjo, I can see he is def entering the independent stage. I suppose because he never instigates a cuddle or kiss unless tired or unwell, I worry. He'll happily climb all over me, sit on me, be hugged and kissed, be carried (often wants to be picked up). But just doesn't ask for cuddles/kisses

God, it makes me sound nuts when written down