Daddy's deserve hugs and kisses too

@makingpots (11915)
United States
June 25, 2008 2:51am CST
Today while sitting around a pool with some friends and our kids, I overheard a conversation at a table near us. The man said, "I don't let my kids hug and kiss all over me in public. It ain't right" WHAT???? What say you about this?
3 people like this
5 responses
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
25 Jun 08
Many years ago I had a pretty young girl working for me in my restaurant, her boyfriend would drop in and they would visit on her break. Before to many minutes would pass they would be hugging and kissing and touching in my dining room. I told her that I did not believe this was appropriate behaviour for a work place, Her answer was "I am on my break" Afew days later she was working when a few fellows came in and as she waited on them one made a grab for her chest. She came running back into the kitchen all upset and wanted me to throw these fellows out. I went out front and asked the fellow what he thought he was doing, he said I was in here yesterday and she was all but making out with some guy, and I figured why not. I looked at the little girl and said now you know why I asked you not to behave like you have with your boy friend. She said but he is my boy friend. and the guy said I didn't know that I just thought you were the type of girl that enjoys being paid attention too. The man apologized and the little girl never allowed her self to be touched in public by any one again. I guess the moral of the story is people do not ask questions they just assume the worst. so if a man is kissing and hugging a child in public what would you assume. That he is their father or that he is taking liberties with a child. I believe the father is right don't make your children a target.
2 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
25 Jun 08
Wow, Robin, that is a very interesting take on this discussion. I am glad you responded to it. I have to respectfully disagree with you on a few points. While I agree that adult public displays of affection have appropriate times and places and sitting in your restaurant while on a break is probably not one of those appropriate times. I can not agree with you that the waitress was inviting that customers actions to happen to her. No man or woman has the right to just reach out and grab another person in that way under any circumstance or any assumption. I also can not arrive at the belief that others will want to 'take liberties with a child' because they have seen other people giving them hugs and kisses. I've gone over this from various angles and I just can't see that being a conclusion that any sane individual should ever arrive at. I believe that children need to be shown and taught appropriate signs of affection by people who love and protect them. If this important aspect of a healthy life is never taught to a child, they may end up having flawed beliefs that they can just reach out and grab the chest of a waitress and then just blame it on her.
2 people like this
• United States
25 Jun 08
That's horrible! I'm a father of two girls and I love them with all my heart. I have no problem letting them know either. I hug and kiss my daughters every chance that I get. To let vanity or image block the love for your children is sad and shows how much of a man that poor guy really is. I've come in contact with this before, and it really has nothing to do with the kids it has to do with the fragile ego of the male species. Once a man can let that go, he'll realize how much easier and rewarding life can be.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
25 Jun 08
I think you are exactly right, cmcloughlin. Thanks for the response.
2 people like this
• United States
2 Jul 08
What an ogre? Poor guy, he must have grown up in the 1950's or something. Dads back then were really strict about public shows of affection. Or, at least that's what I hear. Kids are kids. If his kids want a hug, why should he discourage them? So sad!
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
7 Jul 08
So sad indeed. Poor guy is exactly what we said when we heard it. He and his kids both are missing out.
2 people like this
• Philippines
26 Jun 08
That's very very wrong. My husband loves it when our 22 month old son hugs and kisses him. He enjoys it because he feels being loved. What kind of father would say those words? He don't let his kids hug and kiss him in public? What's the big deal? They're his kids! I really don't think its proper to think that way. We, the parents, are here to make our kids feel loved and also for us to be loved by our kids. We must not stop them from hugging or kissing us in public. Its something that we can be proud of actually!
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
28 Jun 08
My husband loves it too. That poor man at the pool is sadly missing out.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Jun 08
That man is missing out....how sad.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Yes very sad.
1 person likes this