DistantNews
Support us
As children grow, does the boundary of love change?
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam /Culture & Society

As children grow, does the boundary of love change?

From Tuแป•i Trแบป · () Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Videos of fathers and daughters showing affection have sparked public debate in Vietnam about appropriate physical boundaries as children grow.
  • Child psychologists advise that around ages 6-7, children develop a stronger sense of personal body ownership and privacy.
  • Parents should adapt their expressions of affection to be age-appropriate, respecting a child's comfort and consent to foster a healthy relationship.

Videos depicting close physical affection between fathers and daughters have ignited a public discussion in Vietnam about evolving boundaries in familial love as children mature. While some viewers see these moments as normal expressions of familial warmth, others express concern, prompting experts to weigh in on what constitutes healthy intimacy.

Around ages 6 to 7, children begin to transition from viewing their bodies as part of the family unit to understanding their bodies as their own.

โ€” Dr. Le Thi LamA child psychologist explaining the developmental stage where children start asserting bodily autonomy.

Child psychologists note that children around ages 6 to 7 begin to transition from viewing their bodies as part of the family unit to understanding their bodies as their own. This developmental stage, characterized by a growing awareness of personal space, privacy, and gender differences, is entirely normal. Experts emphasize that parents should recognize this shift as a natural part of growing up, rather than interpreting it as the child becoming distant or difficult.

Dr. Le Thi Lam, a lecturer at the University of Education, Danang University of Education and Social Work, advises that while closeness should remain, its expression must adapt. Parents can continue with hugs, hand-holding, and shared activities, but should increasingly seek permission before physical contact and respect a child's refusal of hugs or kisses. Simple acts like knocking before entering a child's room or allowing them to dress privately reinforce the message that their body deserves respect, strengthening their sense of safety and trust within the parent-child relationship.

Parents should recognize this shift as a natural part of growing up, rather than interpreting it as the child becoming distant or difficult.

โ€” Dr. Le Thi LamAdvice for parents on how to perceive and react to their child's developing sense of self.

The key differentiator, according to experts, lies in the child's feelings and consent. Healthy interactions leave children feeling comfortable and secure, without coercion. Ignoring a child's discomfort or forcing affection can be detrimental. The public debate highlights a societal need to navigate the complexities of maintaining familial bonds while respecting a child's developing sense of self and personal boundaries.

The key differentiator lies in the child's feelings and consent. Healthy interactions leave children feeling comfortable and secure, without coercion.

โ€” Dr. Le Thi LamExplaining the difference between healthy and unhealthy physical interactions with children.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tuแป•i Trแบป in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog