Thursday, April 18, 2024

Are you a high-five or a hug kinda person?

Be Brave &

Bold With Lynx

There once was a Lynx, a kind and brave kin, who spoke from her heart, deep from within. If something felt wrong Lynx knew what to do, she'd check in with her body, then say what was true. One afternoon, Lynx went to play, to meet up with Ibex on a fine sunny day. Ibex was happy and leaned in to embrace almost forgetting to ask if his friend wanted space. "Oops!" he said, stopping, "First I should ask. Do you want a hug, Lynx? I jumped in too fast!"

Lynx noticed her body and knew right away, she wanted to say 'hi' in another good way. "No thanks," said Lynx, "but I know something new. Does a high-five and paw-shake sound good to you?" The friends both agreed, greeted, and played. They searched for love-bugs on the ground, in the shade. When it was time to end their play, Lynx headed toward home at the end of the day. As she skipped down the path, humming a song, up flew Dragonfly to travel along.

"Can I ride on your shoulder? Is that all right, Lynx?" Lynx answered, "Yes," and then started to think. It was nice to be asked, to choose no or yes, to feel loved and respected in what you express. As she arrived home her mom came to the door, her arms open wide as she kneeled on the floor. "I'm so happy to see you! Would you like a hug?" her mom asked aloud with a voice full of love. Lynx asked her body, 'What do I need?' and knew that a hug would feel amazing indeed.

My body is mine,
I know what I like.
I check in with myself
And say what feels right.

This National High-Five Day, we encourage you to read the story "Lynx Sets Boundaries" (above) with your little ones and open a discussion on how they like to accept affection.

Learning to set healthy boundaries and share their feelings is a key part of a child's emotional growth. When we're able to set our own limits and express our needs, we can lovingly show others how we want to be cared for.