Psychologist-sexologist Alina Mikhailova comments on whether it is problematic to kiss children on the lips.
She stated that kissing on the lips is permissible only for young children, especially babies and preschoolers. Moreover, this should be done only if they do not feel embarrassed or do not pull away. If the child's reaction to this form of affection is negative, the psychologist advised moving on to more neutral expressions of affection: hugs, kisses on the forehead or kisses on the cheeks.
According to the specialist, kissing on the lips is definitely not suitable for children over six years old. At an older age, such expressions of affection begin to acquire social, gender and sexual connotations. "It is especially important to stop doing this against the child's will or in the presence of others, as respecting bodily boundaries is the most important lesson a child learns from their parents," she stressed.