To hug or not to hug, that is the question

Thank you to all who responded with your opinions. After much thought and discussion with the children and the older brother it has been agreed that hugging the small children is perfectly acceptable, while it is not customary they respect that it is my expression of affection. The general rule is that a boy or young man cannot hug the opposite sex, it is seen as a sign of great affection therefore cannot be done in public. Boys can hug each other, they can hold hands, (men also) and be very affectionate with each other but never with a girl unless he intends to marry her. So to put end to this debate I am hugging the children goodbye every time, they expect it now and enjoy it, sometimes I grab 2 or 3 at a time and do a group hug.

Keep on hugging!