Inclusive and fun ways for kids to greet

Greeting may seem like a simple thing, but for children it’s much more than saying “hello” or “goodbye”: it’s a moment to connect with others, practice courtesy, and express emotions. It’s their first step toward learning how to relate to others and feel part of a group, both at home and at school.

However, not all children feel comfortable greeting in the same way. Some are shy, others may have a diagnosis that makes it harder to make eye contact or interact, and sometimes adults, with the best intentions, expect hugs or kisses that can create stress or discomfort.

Imagine arriving at the door of your home or classroom and having several ways to greet. Offering options allows children to choose what they feel comfortable doing. This sends a very important message: your feelings and your boundaries matter.

Also, when greeting becomes a game, children experience it as something fun, not an obligation.

Fun and inclusive greeting ideas

Here are some options that can be represented with images or pictograms:

• Waving hello or goodbye with voice or gesture

• Shaking hands (like adults, conveying respect)

• High five

• Fist bump

• Short dance or fun step

• Hug (only if the child wants it)

How to put it into practice

• In the classroom: place a greeting panel at the door and let each child choose how to enter or leave. This reinforces a sense of belonging and makes them feel heard.

• At home: turn greetings into a ritual when arriving or leaving, without forcing a hug or kiss.

• In group activities: greetings can mark the start of a class or therapy, helping children prepare to interact.

Benefits for children

• Less pressure: having several options reduces the anxiety caused by a mandatory greeting.

• Non-verbal communication: some children express themselves better with gestures or movements than with words.

• Sensory respect: a fist bump or high five can be just as affectionate as a hug for those who need it.

• Safety and predictability: images help anticipate the interaction.

• Inclusion: all children participate, regardless of their abilities or diagnosis.

In the end, greeting can become a small daily ritual full of creativity, autonomy, and fun, where each child finds their own way to start or end the day. It’s a space to experiment, play with gestures, and learn about themselves and others without pressure. By allowing them to choose, we are building a habit that combines respect, personal expression, and social connection, and the best part: who says learning social skills can’t be as fun as choosing your own greeting?

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Which greeting do you think would be most comfortable for your child or student?

Have you noticed how interactions change when children get to choose how to greet?

What other fun greeting ideas can you think of to use at home or at school?

We’d love to hear from you!