Across living rooms and group chats, parents are quietly bracing for the same holiday standoff: a shy kid, an eager ...

You walk into a family holiday gathering with your child in tow. Aunt Kathy bends down and stretches out her arms to your little one: “Come over here and give me a big hug!” Your kid gets quiet, ...

Across living rooms, group chats, and holiday tables, a surprisingly emotional debate is unfolding: should children be expected to hug relatives, or should they get to opt out without consequences.