Kissing Toddler?

Question

Hi. My son just turned two. His kisses have always been tiny pecks that last one second or less but here lately he tries to keep his lips there for about 2-4 seconds. My husband recently returned from Iraq and I know he's getting this from watching us kiss. From what I've read on that subject, it's my opinion that it's better for us to be affectionate around him, rather than not be (to a certain degree anyhow- we don't make out in front of him by any means). If he gives someone kisses (his teacher, for example) and they kiss him on the forehead or cheek, he says (in the sweetest tone), "no, on the mouth" and points to his mouth.

Is this something that's normal? I'm guessing it probably is but should I just not worry about it and continue to let him give longer-than-normal kisses (since it's just a peck)? Where do "you" draw the line and how would you explain to him that mommy's and daddy's kiss each other differently?
Thanks!

(He's not getting if from tv, he has only seen Dora, Diego, Thomas, and Sesame Street. I'm the evil anti-tv mom that all kids dread, lol.)

Answer 1

When my daughter's father and I were still together, my daughter started those long, sloppy kisses with the both of us... meanwhile we never kissed like that at all lol!!! She stopped doing that after about 2 months or so, but it was her way of expressing how much she really loved us. She never did it to anyone other than us.

I would just relax and enjoy the extra love from your son!!!! Soon enough he'll be mortified to show any sort of affection to either of you lol, so enjoy it while it lasts!!!!

Answer 2

I really think you are worrying unnecessarily. First, because obviously he's just imitating what he sees and that is his way of learning how to relate to others. But, secondly, have you ever noticed that lots of Europeans kiss their children on the mouth? And it doesn't mean a thing! We are so uptight in this country. That's why so many people get obsessed with how to express intimacy and wind up behaving wrongly. Whether you ignore it or tell him that parents kiss each other differently, don't let it bother you if he holds a kiss a few seconds longer. Like everything else, he'll grow out of it.

Meantime, how about letting him see you and your husband kiss each other on the forehead and cheek (and shoulder, and hands, etc.) as well? It is not only a wonderful thing for your child to observe the affection you share, but you two would benefit if you did not limit each other as a couple to just what is a proper kiss for "mommy and daddy." Really, sometimes there's nothing sexier than a kiss on the nose!

Answer 3

Hi There!

I really wouldn't worry. I have a 5 year old boy who went through the EXACT same thing. And coming from a big family, I remember my little brother going through it as well. While it may be a little unsettling, don't make too big a deal of it. It'll pass on it's own. If he continues to do it longer than you like, than re-direct him. Pull away and give him a hug. And there's nothing wrong with telling him that "only Daddy kisses Mommy on the mouth for along time" and then tell him you "love it when he (your son) kisses you like this" (and proceed to give him quick little pecks) to show him what's appropriate. But, honestly, don't feel it's something you've done....it's TOTALLY normal! And I am sure you are right that he is seeing you and your husband which makes him curious....but a little re-direction goes along way! Good Luck!

Answer 4

It is normal- he is just mimicking what he sees you and daddy doing. This is a great teaching moment. You can talk to him on his level about appropriate kissing. Tell him that he can kiss Mommy and Daddy and maybe grandparents on the mouth because they are family, but that it should be more of a peck- Everyone else gets the forehead or the cheek. Also tell him that only Mommy's and Daddy's are allowed to kiss each other like you do. I think there is nothing wrong with showing affection in front of your child as long as it is not out of hand. I don't think you should be making out in front of him, but kisses here and there are not a problem. Also remember, it may not just be the tow of you that he is seeing, what is he seeing on TV? Most of the kissing on TV in in very inappropriate situations. I would monitor what is on the TV too. He is still too young to separate the reality from the fiction on television.

I would just explain to him about appropriate kissing in a manner a two year old can understand. You don't want him kissing a girl and then getting into serious problem. While I think kids kissing each other at that age is innocent and harmless, some people overreact and cry sexual harrassment (they should still be taught it is not appropriate).

Answer 5

Hi there! I'm the other evil no tv mom! You are right by the way, tv hasn't much to offer and destroys imagination and thought function. Makes a doer into a sit and watch others do.
I wuold tell him that Mommy and Daddy kiss differently and see what he does, he's smarter than you think. That's what I did with my kids (5) and they had no problems. If he asks why tell him you are married, and it's a different affection. He won't have a "sexual"clue but should get it. Good luck

Answer 6

I'd just say kissing on the mouth is for mommies & daddies, we kiss other people on the check or forehead. It's OK to say it in front of other people and he will catch on soon enough. If it makes you uncomfortable to get the longer kisses from him it's ok to tell him long kisses are for mommies & daddies.

He might try an open mouth kiss someday, but just turn your head and say that's not how boy's kiss their mommies.

No rebuke, just kind and simple.

Children just do what they see and need to be corrected kindly if it's a habit you don't want them to have.

Answer 7

Oh yes, it's normal. My son became the passionate kisser at 10 months. He'd grab us around the neck and pull your head toward him and kiss you on the lips! It was hilarious. My kids all went through the kissing on the lips thing, and now we're lucky to get any kisses at all!

You son sounds very sweet and yes, it's a normal phase. Glad your hubby is home from Iraq, that's terrific! You can explain that kisses between mommy and daddy are different, that's what we did. Our kids got it.

Answer 8

I think people tend to read WAY too much into this sort of thing. He's only two and it's good that he witnesses affection and can show it himself.

I have a five year old that gets clingy and affectionate whenever I go to the doctor (I'm a cancer patient) and I've had some people say it's "unusual". I spent 28 days in the hospital last summer getting treatments and am about to go in for a bone marrow transplant (could be there for months) My son is understandably scared, worried and wants to spend time with me.

In your situation I would say it's perfectly normal (and healthy) as long as you are keeping anything over "PG" in private.

Congrats to your family and tell your husband "thank you" for serving our country! :)

Answer 9

whilst any 2 families come jointly to type a sparkling kin -- aka marriage -- one kin is going to think of the different is "too tender feely" whilst that kin unearths the 1st "chilly and overly formal". each and every considerable different's kin is going to proceed doing issues as they consistently have; they'll on no account 'see the blunders of their' techniques and alter into extra like a number of different considerable different's kin. even however, the recent spouses CAN administration the way component are performed interior the recent kin which they have formed. Husband and spouse will could choose for themselves no rely if this new kin will do mouth-kissing, hugging, hand-shaking, cheek-kissing ... even though custom they care to be sure. Then they coach their toddlers to graciously tolerate different customs whilst preserving their own. appropriate to the germ undertaking, i don't even desire to touch a baby, much less kiss it on the lips. they are FILTHY little animals, continuously putting their palms into nasty places and then into their mouths. yet whilst those human beings are keen danger kissing the germ infested little beast, so be it.

Answer 10

Well, don't allow him to kiss more than a peck and not on the mouth, you just don't want it to become habit. say 'no, mommie and daddy kiss on the mouth, 'Billy' kisses on the cheek'.
Be sure to move away after it beomes more than an appropriate peck,
what seems cute to some people at 2 becomes uncomfortable behavior later in childhood.