I’m not going to make my toddler hug you

 No, i’m not going to make my toddler hug you.

i don’t care if you’re family.
i don’t care if it’s “just a hug.”

if she’s uncomfortable,
that’s enough for me.

the answer is no.

because boundaries don’t start later
they start right now.

while she’s little.
while she’s learning
that “no” actually means something.

that her body is hers.

that she doesn’t have to say yes
to make someone else feel good.

i’m not raising her
to be polite over protected.

i’m raising her to trust herself.

so no
i won’t force it.