Mom of boys…
I (31F) have two boys, ages 9 & 10.
Their father and I split a while back and we do 50/50 visitation.
Their dad’s side of the family and mine are totally different.
Their dad still calls his mother “mamma” and when he sees/leaves his mom he gives her a hug and a kiss, but it’s like a quick peck on the lips.
Him and her both do this with our boys.
I just can’t. It’s not how I was brought up, I’d rather shake my father’s hand than give him a hug, I’m not sure if it’s just awkward for me or uncomfortable.
But my issue is, while my youngest doesn’t really care my oldest is a total mess about it and I am not sure the best way to explain it to him.
I just don’t feel like it’s “normal” for a parent to kiss their kid or vise versa on the lips.
I always verbally tell my kids I love them, I support them and I always cheer them on. I will always be here with open arms if they need anything and they know that.
When it comes to them going to bed or leaving to back to their dads I feel like hug, and a kiss on forehead should do but oldest will literally cry about it because his dad will give him a quick peck on the lips and I won’t…
Idk what to do… I don’t pay enough attention to others to know if this is “normal” or not. But is this weird to anyone else?
Posted Jun 30, 2025, 3:24 AM UTC