Ria 🌻🧿 | Early Childhood Music & Movement Educator

In my summer program, there was this little girl who was a bit shy. At the end of every class, she would watch as the other children ran up to give me hugs or high-fives, but she’d wriggle behind her mum, who would gently encourage her to join in. Sometimes, even saying goodbye or giving me a high-five felt like a bit too much.

And that was okay. There was no rush.

But on our last day, she came up to me herself. She came in like a pencil, shoulders first, arms tucked tightly by her sides, and stood right in front of me. 😂🙈

I opened my arms and gave her the gentlest hug, leaving enough room for her to wriggle away if she wanted to.

But she stayed.

And these three photographs captured a moment I will always remember — not because it was an elaborate gesture, but because it was hers. She had come to me, in her own time, in her own way.

Working with children keeps reminding me that connection cannot be rushed or demanded. We can offer warmth, make space, and let children know we’re here. But we have to leave the rest up to them.

Some hugs take six weeks to arrive. And that makes them even more special. 🥹💛