Ask and wait
“Would you like a hug?” is a question, not an announcement. Wait for a clear yes before moving closer.
Friendship & personal boundaries · Ages 6–8
A friendly hello can leave room for “no.”
Milo would like to hug Ari, but Ari does not want a hug today. Hello, Your Way helps children practice asking before touching, accepting an answer and finding a greeting both people choose.
Play Hello, Your WayAbout 7 minutes · Free to try · Explore with a grown-up
Inside the adventure
Small choices your child can practice.
Respect the answer
No, silence or an unclear answer means stop. A friend does not have to explain a no or make someone feel better by accepting touch.
Find another greeting
Wave, say hello or choose no greeting for now. Either person may change their mind, and an adult can help with communication.
Try it away from the screen
Choose-your-own greeting
Practice together at a comfortable moment. Your child can speak, point, draw or take a break.
- Draw a few greeting cards: a wave, a spoken hello and a high-five. Explain that touch always needs both people to agree.
- Ask which greeting your child wants, including “none right now.” Model accepting the answer without bargaining.
- Swap roles. Say “No high-five today,” then let your child practice “Okay” and offer a wave if they want to.
- Practice changing your mind: “I said yes before, but now I want to stop.” Stop immediately and thank the person for telling you.
Make the rule work with adults too
Do not require hugs or kisses to show politeness. Support children who point, sign or need more time to answer. If someone ignores their boundary, help them move away safely and tell a trusted adult.
Questions grown-ups often ask
What if a relative expects a hug?
Model a warm alternative and support your child’s choice: “They are waving today.” Adults should not make affection a condition of kindness.
What if a child says yes and then changes their mind?
Stop. An earlier yes does not remove the right to say no later.
Can we play in another language?
The interactive mission offers English, Spanish and Japanese. Choose your language in the adventure map before starting. This guide is currently in English.
Continue the family conversation
Teaching kids consent and boundaries through everyday greetings