DD was like that - we constantly repeated to her that hugs (and kisses) are only for Mummy, Daddy, and good friends. If we saw her going over to someone we didn't know, we'd remind her to only say hello "DD, you can say hello but come straight back please" which she has always done. It was a big concern for me because DD would gravitate towards men. These days she is very good. She will shelter behind or next to me if someone approaches her; she will look to me for an ok to interact with someone, she only hugs people she knows.

Oh, something I did on the occassions DD would hug strangers was say "DD that was a nice hug, but remember, we only hug family and good friends". I know this was upsetting to a couple of people who received the hug, but I'm afraid that teaching my daughter to be safe is more important (to me) than sparing a strangers feelings.

HTH

MG