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Grown men do hug and kiss other peoples children and it does not mean they are pedophiles. As a matter of fact, most child molestation is done BY fathers and step fathers so that 'other peoples kids' argument is spurious at best.

My cousin was molested when a young girl, by her father, and as an adult she said how much it meant to her that my father acted normal around her, giving her the same hugs and kisses that all the kids got.

I volunteer at a local hospital in the childrens ward. I cuddle babies. I play with the older kids, whether they want to read, play games or just be held for a half hour with someone stroking their forehead and humming to them. You are saying that ONLY parents can touch their children? No foster parents? No adopted parents?

It is sad to me that normal love is suspect because of a few sick people. And you can teach your kids about appropriate behaviour, and they know what makes them uncomfortable. Most importantly, you never leave your children from your care or someone you trust implicitly. Most kids that are abused are done so at the either the hands of a parent or left by the parent with someone they know (or should know) is unsuitable. You dont' leave your kids alone with neighbors, or relatives that you don't know or trust.

I don't care who has a problem with me cuddling with kids. Mine are older now, 13, 15, 22 and they are all healthy loving darlings. They don't hug and kiss people they are not comfortable with.

As a matter of fact, not loving kids enough probably makes them more vulnerable to abuse by an adult who is manipulating them, because they need the love and affection so badly. Boundaries come from confidence, not fear. Or maybe a little fear, lol, but mostly from knowledge and trust of their feelings.

I haven't read the Jackson charges, I haven't been following the story, I really could care less and don't consider it news. The parents who are leaving their children there are responsible for their safety, not me, but it pains me greatly to see cuddling cast in the same boat as pedophilia.

All pedophiles cuddle and hug,,,not all who cuddle and hug are pedophiles. I think that is what is being said. I think other responses were addressing your perceived naivete not huggling or kissing. And I do believe your saying your father hugged and kissed and cuddled the kids of your friends. Some think that is unwise. But to not want pedophilia to interfere with "hugging kissing etc" is fine as long as one doesn't pretend pedophilia doesn't exist unless they see it with their own eyes. And unless one doesn't pretend that the pedophilic is not among one's own relatives and friends. It is wise to be cautious with your own children and to be cautious with your own behavior especially if you are male.