Affection Aversion in Toddlers

Most toddlers are naturally affectionate and enjoy hugging and cuddling, but some toddlers seem to resist affection. Sometimes this is just a phase or a personality quirk, but sometimes it can be a symptom of a medical condition. Whatever the reason, it's important to give your toddler the right to choose when and with whom to be affectionate.

  1. Choice

    • Some parents find it distressing or socially embarrassing when their toddler doesn't want to hug a visiting relative or friend. According to mental health counselor Ursula Wagner in an article on CNN.com, forcing a child to show affection sends the message that she doesn't have the right to control her own body. This can make the child vulnerable to sexual predators or exploitative relationships. While children should always be polite and kind to others, they should also have the right to decide when to show affection.

    Attachment

    • Some children are averse to affection from their own parents or other caregivers, which can be a sign of an attachment problem. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, children who are securely attached to their primary caregiver are usually affectionate and confident. A child can develop an insecure attachment style if the caregiver is too distracted by stress, poverty, ill health, depression or other problems to consistently bond with him. Children with insecure attachment may resist affection from their parents or seek affection from random strangers. They may seem confused about where to get their emotional needs met.

    Autism

    • A toddler who doesn't respond to affection, doesn't seem to be soothed by hugs when upset and who seems socially disengaged in other ways may be autistic. According to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, children with autism find it difficult to understand facial expression, tone of voice and other indications of emotion. Because they cannot tell what other people are feeling, they can have trouble connecting with parents and others. Autistic children often seem to live in their own little worlds.

    SPD

    • A child who seems affectionate in other ways but who squirms and acts uncomfortable when you try to hug him or hold him may be showing signs of sensory processing disorder. According to the SPD Foundation, some children with SPD find any physical contact unpleasant or painful. If you suspect your child may have an attachment disorder, autism, SPD or another medical condition, speak with your doctor for referral to a specialist.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Discipline Methods for Toddlers
      Disciplining toddlers is no easy task. Toddlers are constantly exploring their world and testing their limits as they are beginning to learn what is considered appropriate behavior. While no technique can possibly work for every child and parent ever
    • Why toddler licks her mother?
      Its important to remember that toddlers are still learning about the world and how to interact with it. While it might seem strange to us, licking is a common way for toddlers to explore and learn. Here are some possible reasons why a toddler might l
    • Symptoms of ADHD in a Three Year Old Child
      Every child will have moments where he acts out, gets fidgety, or forgets to do something he was just told to do. While these behaviors are normally present in all children, they can also indicate the presence of ADHD, also known as Attention-Deficit