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The Importance of Showing Affection in Front of the Kids

My wife and I getting all kissy-faced.

In college, my wife, KayEm, and I worked as editors at our school’s yearbook. It was a good campus job that paid well and allowed us to use our talents. We really enjoyed working together and being able to spend so much time with each other. Throughout our shifts, we’d express our affection with hugs and kisses.

Apparently, our PDA didn’t go over well with the rest of the staff. Our Editor-in-Chief called a meeting to discuss the situation. KayEm and I sat on one side of the room while the rest of the staff surrounded us. They all complained that our displays of affection were making them uncomfortable. Kim and I were a bit surprised by this intervention, but we agreed to tone it down.

Several years post-college, KayEm and I didn’t allow that experience to affect us because we continue to openly show our affection towards each other. However, the complaining parties aren’t a group of college kids, they’re our own kids.

We always greet each other with a kiss, slow dance in the kitchen, and embrace on the couch while watching television. The kids often try to wedge themselves between us or push us apart. When KayEm and I pucker up, we’re greeted by a chorus of “EWWWWWWWWW!” My two younger sons snicker in the background while my daughter rolls her eyes.

Although they find our PDA disgusting, we refuse to “tone it down.” We believe that it is important for our children to see their parents express love for each other. It is our intention to model a healthy, loving relationship for our kids even if they think it’s gross. Besides, I know that our hugs and kisses give them comfort and a sense of security.

Stay Strong,

 

 

 

Question: Do you and your partner openly show affection in front of your children? Did your parents?

Popularity: 2% [?]

  • http://profiles.google.com/shonishoni Shoni Steans-Freeman

    Great post!  My husband and I do not have kids yet (though we are praying for the increase), but we believe in showing affection openly in front of others, including at church.  We’re not over-the-top with it, but we hug, hold hands, peck on the lips, and we smile and wink at each other often.  God created holy matrimony (in other words, it’s His marriage!) and we should definitely model healthy love for others.  My parents showed affection, moreso when they were younger than they do now.  Honestly, I would love to see them do more (total opposite feeling than when I was a kid).

    • http://www.mochadad.com mochadad

      Keep showing each other love and affection. Your relationship will continue to blossom.

  • http://www.mochadad.com mochadad

    It’s important to show your kids that you and your spouse still love each other. It gives them a sense of security.

  • Anonymous

    Sometimes Wifey and I go into slow motion…pretending to move towards each other with lips puckered…just to clear the room of our six squeeling daughters. Couldn’t agree with you more on pda philosophy. They’ll look back in admiration some day.

  • http://brokenwon.blogspot.com/ won

    I think the way you ignore reader’s valid questions sucks. Your sponsors should be made aware of your lack of professionalism. If you are monetizing your blog, you have a business. It ought to be treated as such. You disappoint and anger me. 

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