Bollywood mum Twinkle Khanna who has been setting new examples with her parenting style, recently posted the cutest picture of her with her daughter showing a very public display of affection.
Khanna and 3-year-old Nitara are seen kissing each other on the lips in what can be called as the perfect frame-worthy moment. The proud mum herself wrote on Instagram that it’s a moment to hang up on her wall.
To kiss or not to kiss...
While traditionally Indians have been a little cagey about displaying excessive emotions in public, Twinkle’s pictures show how refreshingly times are changing. However, whether or not parents should kiss their children on the lips has been a subject that has been put under scanner even in the West.
While some doctors warn that kissing on the lips should not be encouraged as it confuses the kids as they grow up, others stress that it is a completely normal way of showing love and any alternate meaning should not be construed to something so parental and affectionate.
While the jury remains divided, we think that as parents one is free to display their love in a manner they feel comfortable in. A kiss on the cheeks, forehead or even lips by a parent should be treated as a natural instinct.
A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna) on
As long as we are explaining our children not to encourage any uncomfortable touches even from the closest family members there should be no guidelines on how mothers should show love. In fact, keeping aside on whether to kiss the lips or not today most child counselors encourage parents to be expressive about their love, especially towards young children.
Why you must not shy away from kissing your child...
Unlike a generation or two ago, where Indian parents did not usually hug or kiss their kids while seeing them off to school, today, for many modern families, mornings begin with giant bear hugs showered to the kids.

- According to child psychologists, it may indeed be a great idea to introduce kids to physical display of affection as it reassures them that their family is always there for them.
- Also often young kids are unable to express or understand complex emotions so a hug or a kiss is the simplest, sweetest way to tell them that they are loved. Pop psychologists also suggest that kids should be encouraged to express their feelings too and saying: I love you or writing I am there for you on cards should be a part of family protocols.
- It also goes a long way in building a positive and loving childhood full of special memories.And this should not be restricted only to toddlers.
- Imagine the effect a little note saying, ‘Mom cares,’ being slipped inside your kids’ camping bag will have on your child when they discover it! It will instantly give them a feeling of reassurance.
- So, next time when you want to give that giant mama hug to your grown up kids too do not think twice, because sometimes it is the physical displays of love that can light up your kids’ otherwise dull day.
Showing your love to kids...
We asked some real mums on their ways to show love to their kids. Here’s what they shared with us:
1. Nayantara, 32, dancer: Being a Kathak dancer emoting is second nature to me. I often make those hand gestures and send loads of flying kisses to my son even when he’s playing football with his friends. He’s now 10 and has already started complaining that I should not embarrass him but I am telling him that the kisses are not gonna go anytime soon!
2. Lata, 28, teacher: It may sound stupid but we celebrate everything such as a hug day or a kiss day with family. No mothers day is compete without both my daughters wishing both their parents with kisses in the morning. It’s a family ritual and I am happy they are as expressive with me as they are with their dad.
3. Neena, 42, PR professional: I have two adolescent boys but I still do buy them cards for all occasions. For birthdays they always make cards for us and well they do not leave for school without me kissing their foreheads still!
Also Read: Experts weigh in on the issue of parents kissing their kids in the mouth
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[Images courtesy: Instagram]