Parenting

In all aspects of parenting I prefer modeling to prompting. I am actually a firm believer in the power of modeling behavior instead of "telling what the kid should do". When it comes to hugs and kisses the way I feel is they should be given and/or received with the agreement of both parties. I never prompt my toddler to kiss anyone, not even relatives, -not even me-. I believe she will do it when she feels like it, according to her own feelings, not to my perception of politeness. I understand some parents feel compelled to tell their children to kiss others out of politeness but my not doing it comes to me naturally.
I could spend my days hugging and kissing my children and most of it happens naturally. However, there are many times when I ask my daughter "may I kiss you?" and she says "no", which I respect.
Last night, though, when she was trying to sleep, I was stroking her hair and she timidly asked "a kiss, si vols (=if you may), which made my heart melt.