Embracing children helps children to get away with any pressure or stress they are undergoing. The golden rule of parenting hugging plays a vital role in behavior modification among children.
In the present race of life, we are concerned over the future of our children rather than nurturing them with love. It is not that our love has diminished, but we are unable to express it. Sometimes hugging your child and expressing your affection becomes more crucial than nurturing them with food and other worldly necessities. According to Research, babies with very affectionate and attentive parents grow up to be happier, more resilient, and less anxious adults.
Studies have revealed that children thrive well in environments where they are extended with love consistently from the day of their birth. Studies in neonatal care, says that parental hug has led to the improvement in the weight gain among the pre-matured babies. It is proven that hugging your child has several benefits.
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It is said to be that a child needs four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance and twelve hugs a day for growth. Indeed, the importance and benefits of hugging are boundless as it does wonders, for the cognitive and emotional development of children. One as a parent should not worry about hugging your child excessively. It is the right thing to do!
1. One Hug a day: You need not have a reason to hug your child. You do not have to wait for his exam results, birthday or any other occasion to do so, hug your child in the morning while you wake your child or in the evening when you put them to sleep. It is a nice gesture to extend your love.
2. Hugging for every age: Often, a child is hugged and kissed by parents. A parent may wonder if hugging or kissing is alright when children grow up, but I say, it works wonders and children need it at all ages.
3. Sense of Security: Children often experience a sense of security by your hugs and feels that they are being loved. These secured and loved feelings in children help them to develop self-confidence and self-esteem as they grow up. The nurturing touch of a hug helps to establish trust and a sense of safety among children. With this deep sensing of security, children tend to venture new things. It enhances proper communication between a child and a parent.
4. Hugging for proper understanding: When children go through difficult times, a warm embrace can say more than a thousand words of counsel. This non-verbal communication always gives a feeling of you being with the child and never being misunderstood. Children also feel that they are out of such difficult situations and are secured.
5. Expression of Love: Hug or embrace your child in your arms to acknowledge your love without verbally telling that you love them. A Child will also learn to express its love and develop being expressive as they grow up.
6. Natural Stress Buster: Physical contact such as hugging releases a chemical in our brain called Oxytocin. Oxytocin, which is known as the love hormone, is produced primarily in the hypothalamus of the brain, which helps in reducing depression and anxiety. It is not a wonder that some children like to be hugged all the time. Thus, cuddling and hugging your child helps to face stress and helps children to get away with any pressure or stress they are undergoing.
7. Hugging for disciplining: Hugging plays a vital role in behavior modification among children. While we are disciplining our children when they misbehave, we often use different methods for punishment. However, embracing them could be what we need to start with the discipline process on a positive note, and go further with a firm explanation of what they did wrong.
Children might resist and reject the hug initially, but soon will give in and look forward to a hug, which brings on a feel-good effect. Children are more willing to listen to what we have to say when they feel good, so do encourage them with a hug to reassure them of your love. Then, you might as well explain the effects of such bad behavior, and you will notice a change in their behavior gradually.
Children benefit more from being embraced, and as a parent, it is the best remedy for us to eliminate our frustrations. This can happen when we are dealing with our children while letting them know that our love for them remains unchanged.
Finally, hugging uplifts the spirit of the child as well as the parents. Its function is similar to that of meditation and laughter. It helps a Parent to learn to let go of all negative vibes or feelings and encourage them to go with the flow.
Realize the importance of hugging your child – Enjoy Happy Parenting
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Dr. Hemamalini Krupakar
Clinical Psychologist / Counselor
