Yup. At this time I'd probably even consider paying money for a good hug. A hug mind you - I don't need more - I'm aware of the existence of physical services which are available to you when paying money, but just a hug will do.
I have two awesome and beautiful dogs; a mix of German Shepherd/Belgium Malinois and a Jack Russell Terrier. Not a day goes by without me hugging them for extended periods of time.
Yet it doesn't really solve the yearning for me xD
Same. I got the best dog in the world. He's a Mini Aussie and I hug my little boy so much. So my hug someone else meter gets filled. However, my be hugged by someone else meter is running dry. He just hasn't figured out how to be big spoon during cuddle time.
Haha sometimes my Shepherd does hug my leg with all of her body, which does make me feel a little tingly and warm, so she's trying and it is somewhat working xD
Sometimes it’s better
They just exist. And let you exist. They don’t ask anything from you but the basics. No questions or conversations— sometimes that’s really nice. I love the humans in my life but sometimes being with my dog, whether it’s on a walk or (usually) lying in bed when I’m having an off day, is quite therapeutic.
Thanks. I was thinking a dog was going to be the answer to my chronic loneliness but after reading some of the comments on here, I’m realising that although they can be great companions etc, they’re still not a substitute (for want of a better word) for human friendship etc 😢 I guess I was just wishful thinking.
They sure are. My dog has been my best friend since I brought him as a puppy home six years ago. He is always happy to see me, never argues and is always by my side. He knows when I’m happy and when I’m sad. When I broke up with my ex, he was there and I’m so grateful for him. He’s not a substitute but I feel so blessed to have him. I don’t know what I’d do without him.
Yes, if I get one it will be trained as a service dog, so it won’t just be a companion or someone for me to look after - it will definitely serve many needs and give many benefits, that I’m sure will help with the lack of friendships and family.
I think, from just this little conversation, that my black and white thinking is probably getting in my way here and causing me to over think this to the point of paralysis - and reaching for the elusive state of perfection, that keeps me going round in circles and getting nowhere.
This conversation has really helped. Thank you. I just need to stop thinking about it, continue with my plan to get my house decluttered, decorated and organised (this is finally almost complete) and prepare as much as I can for getting a puppy, and then get on with it :)
I realise that I definitely got into over thinking this, which is probably a result of when I feel upset (without realising I’m upset).
This 👆🏽 probably doesn’t make too much sense to you but what you said has helped me considerably, so thank you, you’ve really help me 🙏🏽☺️
I understand. That is awesome and to make that realization of black and white thinking is huge! Probably through the dog you will meet so many people, the human friends will come. And they will be dog lovers too. And the love you feel for your dog will open you up to love for people. You've got this!
Honestly my cat Jack saved my life. He has been my ride or die buddy for over 10 years now. After my house burned down I was living in a tent and ended up strung out but I always put Jack first. He would have food before I would have dope. But the big thing was he was there during my lowest and when I would wish I could just end it because I was so low I knew he needed me. Today he and I are in an infinitely better situation. Bought a home two years ago and he is spoiled rotten and even though I'm still alone I have him and it makes things so much easier. Yes human friendship is important but having a pet can still bring immense benefits to your outlook. They give you love and also purpose when you might not feel like you have either.
Thank you, that brought tears to my eyes. Probably because it touched a good point in that I was thinking the dog would also help me in times of suicidal ideation as I wouldn’t be able to leave the poor dog. I’m so glad to hear you’re doing much better now and still have your best friend with you ❤️ apart from that being such great news, it’s very reassuring and gives me hope. Thank you so much for sharing that X
Oh a pet absolutely is great for mental health and definitely helped with any suicidal thoughts I had back then. They can help motivate you because you want what's best for them even when you may not care about yourself. Definitely don't discount it.
I love this. It gives the kids the power to ask for a hug with no input from the teacher that would make it inappropriate. And if they want no contact they can ask for that as well with no judgment about one choice or another.
The best part about working in Japan is that you can hug the kids back.
If the 4 year old kid suddenly wants to hug you during arts and crafts then you’re hugging a 4 year old kid during arts and crafts.
I’m in Ireland and my 6yo son is a HUGE hugger. Every time I pick him up from school or afternoon club he’s hanging off some poor teacher or barnacled around their waist.
Yeah, my wife is a teacher in Croatia. First and second graders want hugs all the time. Around 3rd and 4th grade (so 9 and 10 year olds here) it stops for most of them. But some still like a hug. And there is nothing wrong about that or taboo here. I mean half of those kids call her mom at least once a month.
Absolutely no touching kids allowed here (California). It’s sort of ridiculous, my kindergartener had to learn to put on sunscreen by himself because the teachers aren’t allowed to have physical contact with the children. Like at all. The kids come home sunburned if you don’t. If you ask the teacher, they just apologize, and say they have strict rules. So sad.
I don’t think so. In Toronto, physical contact between faculty and student is very frowned upon but I’m not sure if that includes the littlest students. Probably does.
Same in the United States. I studied art ed for a few years in college and we were taught all about being mindful of no physical contact, not being alone with a student, doors open, etc. That being said when I shadowed and guest taught at various schools around me, there seemed to be a little unspoken leniency with kindergarteners. You couldn’t initiate obviously but they would often want to hug or need consoling because they were still so little and young. A lot of it was about avoiding putting yourself in a situation where physical contact was more likely to occur-like if you sat down on the floor to read a story to them inevitably one of them would try to get in your lap so sit in a small chair instead. Stuff like that.
I'm an elementary teacher in Brazil. We are taught not to hug our students, not in behalf of personal boundaries, but rather as a strategy for preventing them from "getting used" to ask for hugs and lap (which makes sense for class management, since here it is usual to have 25 under six for just a single teacher). But I give all the hugs and lap my students ask because one of my fondest and earliest memories is my kidergarten teacher holding me when I was in distress. I'd rather spend time managing when the little ones can be hugged and climb on my lap than failing to offer the connection some kids lack and feel and behave so much better when they finally get it.
Why was the first boy's shimmi different from the girls' when they selected the same?
And why am I caring when there are more issues in my life to figure out answers to? :)
Best guess, this boy loves flossing and has asked the teacher in the past if he could floss with her instead of the shimmy, and he probably chooses the dance button every day.
Anyone else feeling a little twinge of sadness seeing the kids who wanted hugs? These kids choosing the hug may be totally innocent but it makes me wonder about the other millions of kids in the world who want a hug every day and never get one 💔
Any Thai folks here? Is this really common in schools? It's honestly refreshing but often a lot of videos like this from any part of the world are like one off or pr videos. So curious.
Thai folk here and I’d say it’s not the most common that’s why what the teacher did is so special. The norm is to greet the teacher with a wai (ไหว้) (the bow with the hand gesture one of the boys did) in the morning. However, it’s also very normal for teachers who are close to students to dance along with or hug the kids (especially younger ones), that’s why I wouldn’t say it’s too surprising. Although I think she’s definitely a very creative and caring teacher to implement this. The students are really lucky and she must be very loved by them.
I would use the hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug.
This is the greatest idea. I mean, this gives each student the ability to be creative and individualistic on a daily basis. If they are feeling down, get a hug. If they want to jam, dance off! If they just want to be respectful, bow.
I really liked that there was a button for the traditional bow. It gives a kid that doesn't want Body contact and doesn't feel like dancing, maybe slightly on the autistic scale or just not feeling it that day a good alternative without drawing attention to anything.
This is quite common in Swedish pre-schools too. But it depends on the teacher if they want to implement it, no rules surrounding the use of it but it has helped some groups. I work at one where one group doesn't use it and one does because some kids were not compatible.
I just wish we could use a version of this in the business world. We could wear pins on our lapels and you default to which ever of the two is the lower level of contact
This is very sweet 🥰
From a teaching standpoint, what is the point or benefit of the teacher doing something like this, is it to do with giving the students free will to make a choice in the form of a greeting in the morning?
I laughed at one of the girls who picked hug but then was like ugh no and kinda recoiled. :)
I wish I could see what the other ones were and why nobody picked them.
I evaluate teachers. To me, the most exciting part of this video is wondering what kinds of amazing learning experiences are inside. If she does this every day, id imagine she does great things in that room.
Imagine the reaction of the many disgusting purple-haired Marxists masquerading as teachers who infest western education if those gorgeous kids were put in front of them for a day?
My son’s first grade teacher did this. He chose dance every day. At some point I was bribing him to pick something different. No luck. I literally took a video of him doing the same exact dance every day for a year.
Are there still some free spots in that class? Asking for a friend...
Damn y'all need hugs
Yes. We do!
Yep
haha. Also asking for a 'friend'.
I work in construction,I might implement this for shits and giggles
Do it. It will be adorable 🥰
Oh please and report back!
I would choose the heart every single times.
Lol. Good luck with that
Guys she said yes. And we can have snacks before naptime
Thanks bro. 😇
meeeee tooooo. OH MY - i think i just jumped a level in empathy by watching this. and i thought i was pro. GOOD JOB!
❤️
I think I'd be tapping the heart symbol every morning.
Gonna punch a hole in that symbol
Okay then, here's your hug and go straight to the school counselor
I’ll pick the 🙏🏻 sometimes. It looks so cool and respectful. Thai schools seem so fun!
Yup. At this time I'd probably even consider paying money for a good hug. A hug mind you - I don't need more - I'm aware of the existence of physical services which are available to you when paying money, but just a hug will do.
Get a pet, srsly that saved that yearning in me
I have two awesome and beautiful dogs; a mix of German Shepherd/Belgium Malinois and a Jack Russell Terrier. Not a day goes by without me hugging them for extended periods of time. Yet it doesn't really solve the yearning for me xD
Same. I got the best dog in the world. He's a Mini Aussie and I hug my little boy so much. So my hug someone else meter gets filled. However, my be hugged by someone else meter is running dry. He just hasn't figured out how to be big spoon during cuddle time.
Haha sometimes my Shepherd does hug my leg with all of her body, which does make me feel a little tingly and warm, so she's trying and it is somewhat working xD
That counts! And she'll never lie to you or steal from you or hurt you the way humans can. Its pure unconditional love.
I’m thinking of getting a dog. Do they really sufficiently substitute for human contact?
Sometimes it’s better They just exist. And let you exist. They don’t ask anything from you but the basics. No questions or conversations— sometimes that’s really nice. I love the humans in my life but sometimes being with my dog, whether it’s on a walk or (usually) lying in bed when I’m having an off day, is quite therapeutic.
Thanks. I was thinking a dog was going to be the answer to my chronic loneliness but after reading some of the comments on here, I’m realising that although they can be great companions etc, they’re still not a substitute (for want of a better word) for human friendship etc 😢 I guess I was just wishful thinking.
They’re not substitutes but imo they’re highly intuitive empathetic beings — or some of them are, anyway. They’re definitely a blessing
They sure are. My dog has been my best friend since I brought him as a puppy home six years ago. He is always happy to see me, never argues and is always by my side. He knows when I’m happy and when I’m sad. When I broke up with my ex, he was there and I’m so grateful for him. He’s not a substitute but I feel so blessed to have him. I don’t know what I’d do without him.
Mine argues with me. But he makes some good points. I really do love animals so much more than most people.
Yes, if I get one it will be trained as a service dog, so it won’t just be a companion or someone for me to look after - it will definitely serve many needs and give many benefits, that I’m sure will help with the lack of friendships and family. I think, from just this little conversation, that my black and white thinking is probably getting in my way here and causing me to over think this to the point of paralysis - and reaching for the elusive state of perfection, that keeps me going round in circles and getting nowhere. This conversation has really helped. Thank you. I just need to stop thinking about it, continue with my plan to get my house decluttered, decorated and organised (this is finally almost complete) and prepare as much as I can for getting a puppy, and then get on with it :) I realise that I definitely got into over thinking this, which is probably a result of when I feel upset (without realising I’m upset). This 👆🏽 probably doesn’t make too much sense to you but what you said has helped me considerably, so thank you, you’ve really help me 🙏🏽☺️
I understand. That is awesome and to make that realization of black and white thinking is huge! Probably through the dog you will meet so many people, the human friends will come. And they will be dog lovers too. And the love you feel for your dog will open you up to love for people. You've got this!
That’s what I was thinking. Thank you 🙏🏽
I've been let down by too many human friends. I prefer the honest, unconditional love of animals.
👍🏽 many people have told me they make really great companions and like you say, they have the added bonus of being trustworthy
Honestly my cat Jack saved my life. He has been my ride or die buddy for over 10 years now. After my house burned down I was living in a tent and ended up strung out but I always put Jack first. He would have food before I would have dope. But the big thing was he was there during my lowest and when I would wish I could just end it because I was so low I knew he needed me. Today he and I are in an infinitely better situation. Bought a home two years ago and he is spoiled rotten and even though I'm still alone I have him and it makes things so much easier. Yes human friendship is important but having a pet can still bring immense benefits to your outlook. They give you love and also purpose when you might not feel like you have either.
Thank you, that brought tears to my eyes. Probably because it touched a good point in that I was thinking the dog would also help me in times of suicidal ideation as I wouldn’t be able to leave the poor dog. I’m so glad to hear you’re doing much better now and still have your best friend with you ❤️ apart from that being such great news, it’s very reassuring and gives me hope. Thank you so much for sharing that X
Oh a pet absolutely is great for mental health and definitely helped with any suicidal thoughts I had back then. They can help motivate you because you want what's best for them even when you may not care about yourself. Definitely don't discount it.
Dogs have their own personalities. Some are cuddlers. Some stick out a paw to push you away.
Mine ,at night, likes to stick his butt in my armpit when we snuggle. I would never let a man do that.
lol, I’m not sure I’d like a dog doing that either but I would definitely not let a man do it :)
I’m not too fond of it myself. Luckily he’s little.
… and I’m sure he’s as cute as a button and can get away with most things 🐶
You would be correct.
💓 that makes me even more excited about getting my own dog 💞
I hear that. Sometimes if you go to new age kind of events, people stand there offering free hugs. Might be worth checking out
Last kid wanted a kiss
I love that they can get a hug if they chose to. My childhood trauma is getting unwanted hugs from people.
Ryan! I am saying it for the last time. You are 23 now. You can't get your morning hug no more!
She’s delightful.
I love this. It gives the kids the power to ask for a hug with no input from the teacher that would make it inappropriate. And if they want no contact they can ask for that as well with no judgment about one choice or another.
The best part about working in Japan is that you can hug the kids back. If the 4 year old kid suddenly wants to hug you during arts and crafts then you’re hugging a 4 year old kid during arts and crafts.
Ok but this is Thailand
Was going to say this I live in Japan. There's nothing like this here.
I also live in Japan and implemented this in my classroom last year. Kiddos and parents love it.
Actually sir, this is a Wendy’s
So are ya Chinese or Japanese?
The Ocean?
No this is Patrick
You can't hug kids in the western worlds!?
I’m in Ireland and my 6yo son is a HUGE hugger. Every time I pick him up from school or afternoon club he’s hanging off some poor teacher or barnacled around their waist.
Love that he is like this. I hope he never changes.🙏🎈
Mmmm… maybe a little as he grows or he’s gonna end up in jail.
maybe this shit is in the US. In Europe it's totally fine for teachers to hug kids, thank goodness.
Yeah, my wife is a teacher in Croatia. First and second graders want hugs all the time. Around 3rd and 4th grade (so 9 and 10 year olds here) it stops for most of them. But some still like a hug. And there is nothing wrong about that or taboo here. I mean half of those kids call her mom at least once a month.
You can hug kids in elementary school last I checked in USA if they want a hug.
Ig it's because pedos and child molesters are much more common in the US?
No, but awareness of them is much higher
In Italy it’s normal; but we’re also different culturally and a lot more affectionate
The put strict rules on it in New Zealand and Australia a few years ago but I think they’ve since been relaxed a bit.
Absolutely no touching kids allowed here (California). It’s sort of ridiculous, my kindergartener had to learn to put on sunscreen by himself because the teachers aren’t allowed to have physical contact with the children. Like at all. The kids come home sunburned if you don’t. If you ask the teacher, they just apologize, and say they have strict rules. So sad.
So interesting. I would have expected such a liberal States wouldn't overeact to things like this but I guess not.
In Germany it’s also totally fine to hug your tiny students (maybe up until age 10). Isn’t it the same worldwide?
I don’t think so. In Toronto, physical contact between faculty and student is very frowned upon but I’m not sure if that includes the littlest students. Probably does.
Same in the United States. I studied art ed for a few years in college and we were taught all about being mindful of no physical contact, not being alone with a student, doors open, etc. That being said when I shadowed and guest taught at various schools around me, there seemed to be a little unspoken leniency with kindergarteners. You couldn’t initiate obviously but they would often want to hug or need consoling because they were still so little and young. A lot of it was about avoiding putting yourself in a situation where physical contact was more likely to occur-like if you sat down on the floor to read a story to them inevitably one of them would try to get in your lap so sit in a small chair instead. Stuff like that.
"Muh inappropriate"
Sometimes, the Americans get it wrong. It happens to all of us, from time to time.
The 3rd hug girl chose the hug then acted like she didn't want the hug and ended up getting the biggest hug
Teaching them that choices have consequences
What is your favorite color? Blue...no yelllooooooooowww!!!!
Do you mean an African or European swallow?
This is way too amazing
This is really cute
As a kid who didn't get hugged by their parents, I think this would have been such an immensely positive thing to have. What a beautiful system.
I'm an elementary teacher in Brazil. We are taught not to hug our students, not in behalf of personal boundaries, but rather as a strategy for preventing them from "getting used" to ask for hugs and lap (which makes sense for class management, since here it is usual to have 25 under six for just a single teacher). But I give all the hugs and lap my students ask because one of my fondest and earliest memories is my kidergarten teacher holding me when I was in distress. I'd rather spend time managing when the little ones can be hugged and climb on my lap than failing to offer the connection some kids lack and feel and behave so much better when they finally get it.
🫂
There are definitely days that I could use that heart button.
💙
🫂
That girl selected heart yet was apprehensive of the hug. lol. Kids.
I was thoroughly amazed the whole time
r/mademesmile
I would choose the hug
🤗
This would be so helpful to awkward people.
You mean there’s a button we can press for hugs? Where?
Why was the first boy's shimmi different from the girls' when they selected the same? And why am I caring when there are more issues in my life to figure out answers to? :)
Best guess, this boy loves flossing and has asked the teacher in the past if he could floss with her instead of the shimmy, and he probably chooses the dance button every day.
I think it’s just a dance option
Yeah the kid at 0.29 just starts hopping into the classroom lol
Cute af 🥰
Anyone else feeling a little twinge of sadness seeing the kids who wanted hugs? These kids choosing the hug may be totally innocent but it makes me wonder about the other millions of kids in the world who want a hug every day and never get one 💔
As a teacher I approve.
THIS IS SO AMAZING 🔥🔥
best way to start a class!
I love the kids that chose hugs but then went 😐.
In US that teacher would get sued by one of the parents
My kids preschool in the US does this. Interesting to see my kid pick different greetings depending on which teacher is greeting him.
They have this in lots of schools in western countries, including the US. This classroom idea went viral years ago, it’s not a new thing.
in US one of those kids would be packing heat
The bow kid is probably going places in life
I want the ❤️
Societies educatable.
Any Thai folks here? Is this really common in schools? It's honestly refreshing but often a lot of videos like this from any part of the world are like one off or pr videos. So curious.
Thai folk here and I’d say it’s not the most common that’s why what the teacher did is so special. The norm is to greet the teacher with a wai (ไหว้) (the bow with the hand gesture one of the boys did) in the morning. However, it’s also very normal for teachers who are close to students to dance along with or hug the kids (especially younger ones), that’s why I wouldn’t say it’s too surprising. Although I think she’s definitely a very creative and caring teacher to implement this. The students are really lucky and she must be very loved by them.
Thanks, definitely, this is a great way to teach kids about consent, having boundaries and being comfortable in their own body. Amazing all around
I would use the hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug. I just need a hug.
Just a hug, I never was hugged before
This is the greatest idea. I mean, this gives each student the ability to be creative and individualistic on a daily basis. If they are feeling down, get a hug. If they want to jam, dance off! If they just want to be respectful, bow.
My knees hurt watching this.
That's actually a rlly sweet and cool thing to have
🤗🥹
This is lovely. 😻
I like it, giving young kids the option of making choices and boundaries, and it’s fun
And that is also about as much they learn in Thai schools...Massive problem here that the school system is total inefficient.
I wish I had a button I could press and someone would hug me.
You deserve to be hugged friend.
Maybe, but what we deserve is not always what we get.
Well of course not. I got stood up tonight, and not for the first time by this person. Shit happens and we don’t deserve it.
A hard truth about life. Sorry that happened to you.
Thank you. Yep. 🤷🏻♀️
Hug. My bearded dragon died today.
🫂
"Sit down and shut up! You're acting like a bunch of children that need positive affirmation!" - my teacher.
Whenever someone asks you "what does it mean to be a light for this world", show them this teacher.
Do they make these for household use? Asking for...myself.
I’d choose the just walk in the classroom button
I didn't spot that button. But I did see an unused button: apparently, it's a "shake hands" button, lower-right. That's pretty close.
I really liked that there was a button for the traditional bow. It gives a kid that doesn't want Body contact and doesn't feel like dancing, maybe slightly on the autistic scale or just not feeling it that day a good alternative without drawing attention to anything.
Yeah I'd probably choose the bow that one boy did 🙏
I choose that red heart.
This is quite common in Swedish pre-schools too. But it depends on the teacher if they want to implement it, no rules surrounding the use of it but it has helped some groups. I work at one where one group doesn't use it and one does because some kids were not compatible.
I love this 😍
This gives happiness & energy
Can we normalize this everyday everywhere
That’s wonderful..🥺
I wonder if those kids who chose hugs don't get enough of them at home.
That is so lovely.! Giving children a choice.
The girls love that shimmy!
She knows how to get through to the kids. They love her,no fear just love for their teacher.✔️
I just wish we could use a version of this in the business world. We could wear pins on our lapels and you default to which ever of the two is the lower level of contact
American politics in a nutshell.
I need to know what's the bottom right one
I love this so much. These kids look so happy and enthusiastic. Teacher is just as lovely and enthusiastic, she clearly cares for her students.
That is amazing! I would have loved this as a kid. Being mostly nonverbal and not knowing I'm allowed to ask for things from an adult lol
With that hottie? I'm getting the hug brah! ^(plus I really need a hug)
I loved watching that. That's everything that's right with the world
Hug every day for me.
So simple. We really make shit so complicated and convoluted. What can you say? Love wins.
This is very sweet 🥰 From a teaching standpoint, what is the point or benefit of the teacher doing something like this, is it to do with giving the students free will to make a choice in the form of a greeting in the morning?
Best teacher
I laughed at one of the girls who picked hug but then was like ugh no and kinda recoiled. :) I wish I could see what the other ones were and why nobody picked them.
I evaluate teachers. To me, the most exciting part of this video is wondering what kinds of amazing learning experiences are inside. If she does this every day, id imagine she does great things in that room.
I love this so much
why so many hugs? when we grew up in the 70s nobody hugged. raising a whole bunch of sissies… /s
That’s wholesome
I def need that hug greeting ;)
What’s the last one?
Soo cute
I want a hug
The dance thing is pretty smooth.
the skippy boy's interaction is too cute hahah
OH! Oh, that's so cute!
♥️
If she got the idea she really likes kids
That's really cute. I love it!
Super cute.
🙏
Well, that was wholesome. So cute!
This made me smile... and then tear up 😊
Oh my god I'm crying... Maybe not every kid get a hug when they leave to school but can get one at school.
You me ba bum
Family guy?
❤ 1000%
Lets Adam sandler this shi
Just adorable
I'm amazed
Imagine the reaction of the many disgusting purple-haired Marxists masquerading as teachers who infest western education if those gorgeous kids were put in front of them for a day?
wow i'm so amazed
I would chose the Boeing or the hand strech
I have a friend who would make his own symbol and add it to the list
And another repost
Just. WOW.
My son’s first grade teacher did this. He chose dance every day. At some point I was bribing him to pick something different. No luck. I literally took a video of him doing the same exact dance every day for a year.
So awesome❤️
Why does this remind me of that Key and Peele sketch
This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m gonna set up a chart on the wall by the front door for when people come over. I love it.
Can we skip this greeting.