Girl Scouts officials have shared a reminder to parents that they shouldn't make their daughters show affection to relatives this holiday season.

The organization tweeted the reminder Monday morning with the caption: 'Forced affection = Not O.K.'

The tweet also came with a link to an article published on their website, called: 'Reminder: She Doesn't Owe Anyone a Hug. Not even at the Holidays.'

'Holidays and family get-togethers are a time for yummy food, sweet traditions, funny stories, and lots and lots of love. But they could, without you even realizing it, also be a time when your daughter gets the wrong idea about consent and physical affection,' the article reads.

Girl Scouts officials have shared a reminder to parents that they shouldn't make their daughters hug people this holiday season. The organization tweeted the reminder Monday morning with the caption: 'Forced affection = Not O.K'

Though the article talks about forced affection regarding close family members, Girl Scouts (file image) said this type of interaction may set the stage for young girls to question whether or not they 'owe' another person physical affection in the future

Officials then gave examples of the type of 'hugs' and affection they are referring too, which in this case are non-sexual.

'Have you ever insisted, "Uncle just got here - go give him a big hug!" or "Auntie gave you that nice toy, go give her a kiss," when you were worried your child might not offer affection on her own?

'If yes, you might want to reconsider the urge to do that in the future,' the article reads.

Though the article talks about forced affection regarding close family members, the organization said this type of interaction may set the stage for young girls to question whether or not they 'owe' another person physical affection when someone does something nice for them later in life.

'The notion of consent may seem very grown-up and like something that doesn’t pertain to children,' Girl Scouts’ developmental psychologist Dr Andrea Bastiani Archibald said.

'But the lessons girls learn when they’re young about setting physical boundaries and expecting them to be respected last a lifetime, and can influence how she feels about herself and her body as she gets older.

The organization encouraged parents to give their daughters the space to decide when and how they would like to show affection

'Plus, sadly, we know that some adults prey on children, and teaching your daughter about consent early on can help her understand her rights, know when lines are being crossed, and when to go to you for help,' Bastiani added.

The organization encouraged parents to give their daughters the space to decide when and how they would like to show affection.

'Of course, many children may naturally want to hug and kiss family members, friends, and neighbors, and that’s lovely - but if your daughter is reticent, consider letting her choose what to do,' the article reads.

Girl Scouts also gave examples of other ways young girls can show their appreciation, thankfulness, and love that don’t require physical contact.

'Saying how much she’s missed someone or thank you with a smile, a high-five, or even an air kiss are all ways she can express herself, and it’s important that she knows she gets to choose which feels most comfortable to her,' the organization suggested.