[LilyMoon]

We also dealt with this issue when we came home. I began explaining "the rules" to my parents before we even brougnt our daughter home. We didn't get the best responses either. They sort of understood, but not really, especially my father who came in from across the country to see his new grandchild. I explained and explianed to no avail. I just had to keep a really close watch on things, keep our child next to us at all times and lay down the rules in fron of her, which was very helpful in having her see that.

I made it clear to her that hugs and kisses were for mommy, daddy and brother. That's all. It had to be very black and white. She could only talk to other adults with my permission, could not take food from others and had to hold my hand whenever we left the house. However, I did not inforce any rules with other children. For some reason, this was not her issue.

It was hard for a while, but she caught on pretty quickly. I was fairly vigilant for about a year. Now, three years later, it is not an issue at all. She knows what is appropriate and what is not. She is shy when she first meets people. She takes her cues from me and can tell how to behave based on that.

Good luck...it is a long hard road, but a very necessary one and one that will heal your children. Don't let others feelings and the awarkwardness of the situation cause you to stray from what is best for your children.