When Ruthie Polinsky walked through the airport after being away for a few weeks, she was met with the kind of greeting every child, no matter their age, hopes to receive. Her mother, seated with a coffee cup in hand, immediately lit up with a joyful, almost childlike “Hiiii!” Her father followed, beaming, standing to his feet with a warm “Hi darling!” as if it had been years, not days, since they’d seen her.
The moment was short and simple. But when Ruthie posted the clip to TikTok with the caption “You’d think it’s been years! They’re so cute. 🥹🫶🏼”, it struck a collective nerve.
The text overlay on the video reads: “I’m 32 years old and this is the way my parents greet me when they haven’t seen me for a few weeks.”
What might have seemed like an everyday family moment quickly went viral, because it captured something far bigger than a parent-child reunion. It revealed what so many of us crave deep down: to be met with unfiltered, unmistakable joy simply for walking into a room.
Why it resonated: The comments speak volumes
It didn’t take long for Ruthie’s video to catch fire. Beyond the likes and shares, the real story unfolded in the comments. Thousands of people responded with heart emojis or “so sweet!” replies, and some with something deeper. They saw themselves in that moment, or more poignantly, they saw what they never had.
“This is wealth” — Annie
“You are their baby. Doesn’t matter how old you are. ✨❤️” — jmugrl07
“Type of people that WANTED to be parents, happy for you girl❤️” — becca 🦋
“😭😭😭 I’ll never not be jealous of people who had parents.” — Amelia
For some, the clip was a warm hug. For others, it was a quiet ache. The joy on Ruthie’s parents’ faces served as both a mirror and a reminder of love received, love longed for, or love they hope to give to their own children one day.
And perhaps that’s why it resonated so strongly: it wasn’t about a perfect family, or over-the-top emotion. It was about presence, that unmistakable feeling of being deeply wanted, even after just a few weeks apart.
The psychology behind it: Why these moments matter at every age
What makes this moment so powerful isn’t just what it shows, it’s what it signals. Warm, emotionally expressive greetings like the one in Ruthie’s video tap into one of our most basic human needs: to feel seen, safe, and significant.
Psychologists have long emphasized that the bond between parent and child doesn’t stop shaping us once we’re grown. In fact, feeling emotionally close to parents in adulthood is linked to lower stress levels, stronger self-esteem, and a greater sense of security in the world.
When a parent lights up at the sight of their child, that expression of joy reinforces something foundational: You matter. You’re wanted here. It’s a simple act, but it has a lifelong impact. These moments teach children, whether they’re five or forty-five, that their presence is a source of happiness, not just obligation.
And that’s the beauty of it. It’s not about grand gestures or parenting perfection. It’s about being emotionally available in small, visible ways that say: I’m glad you’re mine.
Related: How to Cope When Your Child Leaves Home
A call-in, not a call-out: What this video can teach us
It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone has—or had—parents who greet them like this. For many viewers, the sweetness of the video came with a sting. The ache of emotional distance, unexpressed affection, or the kind of love that was withheld in childhood. That’s real. And it matters.
But rather than fueling comparison or guilt, Ruthie’s video has sparked something softer: aspiration. A collective sense of “That’s what I want to give”, whether to our kids, our partners, or even to our past selves.
This isn’t a critique of how anyone was raised. It’s a gentle reminder that joy is contagious. That showing excitement to see someone isn’t “too much”, it’s actually the most grounding thing we can offer.
We often talk about parenting in terms of responsibilities. But what if we also talked about parenting in terms of delight?
The kind of greeting in the video doesn’t cost anything. It doesn’t take planning. And yet it has the power to heal, affirm, and anchor a child—no matter how grown they are.
Related: These 3 words changed the way I parent—and made me kinder to myself, too
5 small ways to show your kids they are the light of your life at any age
Whether your child is 3 or 33, the need to feel cherished doesn’t disappear. Here are five simple, powerful ways to remind them they matter—without needing a big occasion or grand gesture:
1. Light up when they walk into the room.
That instinctive smile, the warmth in your voice—it sends a lasting message: I’m so happy to see you. Whether it’s preschool pickup or an adult child visiting home, it still matters.
2. Use their name with affection.
It might seem small, but saying your child’s name with softness or playfulness builds connection. It’s personal. It’s grounding. And it reminds them they’re not just “my kid”—they’re them, and they’re loved for it.
3. Remember the little details.
Ask how their exam went. Follow up on that work presentation. Mention the friend they were worried about. These callbacks tell your child: I’m listening, and I care about your world.
4. Give unprompted praise—for who they are, not just what they do.
“I’m proud of how kind you are.” “I love the way your mind works.” These affirmations help kids (and adults) feel seen for more than just achievements.
5. Say it out loud—more than you think you need to.
“I love you.” “I missed you.” “You make my day better.” These words never get old, no matter how old your child gets. Don’t assume they know. Say it anyway.
Related: I vow to always be present with my children
The bottom line: The power of showing up with love
Ruthie Polinsky’s viral video doesn’t show a dramatic reunion. There’s no confetti, no choreography, no airport tears. Just a mom and dad, sitting on a bench, overjoyed to see their daughter again.
And that’s what made it unforgettable.
In a world that often asks us to hurry, prove ourselves, and keep our feelings in check, the sight of two parents lighting up at the presence of their adult child felt radical. Healing, even.
Because no matter how grown our kids get, they still want to be someone’s favorite hello. They still deserve to be met with joy.
And maybe that’s the quiet truth the internet couldn’t stop watching: that unconditional love doesn’t have an age limit. And it never, ever goes out of style.
Sources:
- NDSU Agriculture. 2022. “Strengthening Older Adulthood Parent-Child Connections”
- Healthcare. 2023. “The Influence of Perceived Security in Childhood on Adult Self-Concept: The Mediating Role of Resilience and Self-Esteem”