I'm a male teacher. I have a problem with two 10-year-old girls who sometimes insist on hugging me. I don't particularly enjoy hugs at the best of times and when the hug comes from a minor I really dislike it.

I have discussed my aversion to hugs with the teacher in charge of the music program. I asked her if I could ask the mother of the girls if it is possible for the hugs to stop.

The boss of the project then told me that I should under no circumstances talk about it with the mother. She said the girls probably come from a family where hugs are given freely and that they are simply too young to understand why it bothers me.

So I decided to leave the situation but the fact remains I'm a man teaching girls and with that comes certain realities. I also feel as part of any person's dignity is that he or she does not need to be touched in any way or by any person in any manner than he or she does not want.

The thing is I do actually like teaching these girls, they are for the most part well-mannered children. That is why I'm desperate for the hugs to stop as I do think it could jeopardize any feature teaching we may have.

Any advice would be appreciated.