Anything that promotes emotional connectivity is good. It's certainly not inappropriate to kiss your child.” And Sally-Anne McCormack, another psychologist, was more forceful still. “There's absolutely no way that kissing a young child on the lips is confusing for them in any way,” Dr.
It's a beautiful display of affection that mirrors the strong family bond. As every parent knows, our kids don't stay kids for long. As long as a child is comfortable with kissing his or her mum and dad on the lips then I think it's perfectly fine.
03/6Experts who say it is ok
In many cultures, kissing on lips is not considered sexual, and is accepted as a platonic means of showing affection. Research also suggests that intimacy between parents and children – hugging, tickling or kissing a child – has a positive effect on the child's development.
Like the child, stop your child on the lips if you no longer find it comfortable as the parent. It's normal to find it bizarre to lip-kiss your child after reaching a certain age. As long as kissing your child raises some questions within you or no longer feels authentic and natural, it may no longer be appropriate.
“It comes down to what your family dynamic is — just like any other cultural habit.” She adds if you grew up kissing your parents, family members and elders on the lips, there's nothing strange about kissing your own children on the lips.
The Bible tells us a lot about lust and sexual immorality, and that we are to flee from sexual immorality and lustful desires. If kissing before marriage stimulates lust or leads to sexual immorality, it is a sin and should be avoided between couples that are not married.
Is that fine? Yes, if parents can keep up their limits, it is fine to kiss in front of kids. It is a basic lesson for them to understand that kissing is a way to share affection. It helps them understand that their parents love and care for each other.
Interestingly, this is largely agreed upon across generations. No need to wait for the official first date to get a little face time, however. Americans agree kids are ready for their first kiss at age 15 (15.1 on average), while on average, they had theirs at age 14.5.
Kiss someone when you feel ready, regardless of how old you are. Around ages 12-15, people often start having their first kiss. Don't feel pressured by other people your age kissing people, and don't rush into kissing someone if you are apprehensive. You'll know intuitively when the time feels right.
Cheek kissing is very common in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Southern, Central and Eastern Europe, the Low Countries, the Horn of Africa, Central America and South America.
Since it's what you've done from birth, it's considered a family tradition, and it's probably no big deal. But, since you are feeling uncomfortable about it, it's okay to stop and kiss him on the cheek. If he asks why you don't do it any more, be honest, and tell him you feel weird doing it now.
Make-out kiss
A lusty kiss on the lips (think: the classic make-out session) points to your partner being really into you—and currently aroused. Yet, a deep, heavy kiss means that they feel a relatively intimate bond with you or are looking to get closer.
"It is normal and healthy to show affection for your children. You are communicating to your children that you love them," Martin explained to a local newspaper of Australia. She also claims that there is no documentation to prove that kissing your children on the mouth creates any problems later on.
Shying away from hugs and kisses might just mean that your kid is sensitive to touch or values extra independence right now (perfectly normal).
They really like kissing you.
If you and your partner are making out and they suddenly reach their hands up to cup your face, they're probably having a good time. You can take it as a compliment and return the favor. They also might stroke your cheek or grab the back of your head. These are all good signs!
EXPERT | Dr.
“It is age-appropriate for 10 year olds to be curious, but limits should be established for physical touch. Kissing and other behaviors are more developmentally appropriate behaviors for teenagers who are of dating age.”
Totally ok. Kissing at age 11 can be a great first experience! If you are the girl who is wanting to do the kissing, go ahead! Have fun!
Dr. Basora-Rovira says there is no specific age that is “too old” for co-sleeping. She encourages parents to not begin practicing co-sleeping in the first place. And, if you are already co-sleeping with your child, to transition him or her out of your bed and into his or her own room as soon as possible.
It's perfectly fine when both of you are consenting. If it feels good and it made you comfortable, then you both may continue.
So, absolutely, kissing at 14 is OK as long as you are ready and willing. If not, there is no need to haste. There is no proper age to do so either, so do what you want. As long as you are aware of the consequences, there is nothing wrong with it.
While open parenting is good, educating the child about consent and other boundaries to keep in mind is equally important. “While kissing on the cheek is acceptable, anything more than that may be overstepping the boundary, as the child might try it out in school.
Some parents might be okay with you kissing your partner on the cheek, but not on the lips. If you're confused at all, you can just ask your parents what they're comfortable with before your date comes over. A good rule of thumb is not to do anything you wouldn't want to see your parents do in front of you.
Showing this kind of affection will have a positive effect on the children's peace of mind and will make them sense that there is mutual understanding and harmony within their family. There is nothing wrong with showing this kind of affection, but without exceeding the boundaries or doing anything that is forbidden.”