I know this topic may seem off topic but I have really begun to see these blog posts as a way to discuss my concerns and questions about the education system. I have been pondering this question for a couple days now. I had recently been a substitute in the school I interned in, a pleasant experience of course, but ran into one issue in particular. My 5th graders just could not and WOULD not stop hugging me.
While yes, I do see myself as a very caring and compassionate person, especially when it comes to the relationship I had built with them, I can not help but grow fearful of the underlying problem. I have heard horror stories from my principal and teacher, the former of which had lectured me and reprimanded me for allowing a student to run up and hug me.
I feel like there is a distinct difference between a teacher initiating a hug or something physical towards a student vs. a student initiating a hug from a teacher. I mean come on! What are we supposed to even say at that point. Don't get me wrong I don't want to be in a situation where I can lose my job or have my actions misconstrued, but the paranoia is ridiculous.
If anyone is actually reading this, share your ideas and experiences PLEASE.
