Picture this. You're at a family gathering, and as you prepare to leave, your aunt leans down expectantly toward your child. The scene is familiar to most parents. Your kid shifts uncomfortably, looks ...

Across living rooms, group chats, and holiday tables, a surprisingly emotional debate is unfolding: should children be expected to hug relatives, or should they get to opt out without consequences.

For many of us, the holiday season involves gatherings with extended family. Ideally, such get-togethers are fun and easy, but for some of us they can be stressful. As a pediatrician, I’d like to ...