The Health Benefits Of Hugging
I come from a French-Canadian family, so hugging was commonplace at our home. I’ve read about the benefits of hugging your kids on many occasions, so I became an even bigger hugger when fatherhood came around.
I hug my son like it’s going outta style even when it comes to discipline, and if you’ve been following any of my previous posts, you know how I love my son to bits and pieces.
Have you ever considered the profound and often underrated power of a hug? It’s such a simple gesture, yet it can have a huge impact on the development of your child. As parents, we often tend to focus on providing for our children in the most common ways: food, shelter, education, etc.
But we can give them something even more powerful– love, comfort, and security – and hugs are the best way to show that. They’re an intimate expression of affection that can help build a strong bond between parent and child.
Believe me, on this, you’ve rarely seen a stronger bond than what my son and I have(this is very debatable of course). Our relationship is almost exaggerated, by the Korean standards here at least, and I must say that giving him several hugs daily is part of why we are joined at the hip.
When he had his first sleepover last week, it was a tough one for me due to our ‘togetherness.’
The benefits of hugging your child go far beyond the emotional; there are scientific reasons why it’s so important. Read on to learn about the positive effects of hugging your child and why you must start now.
Who wants a hug? Raise your hand!
What is a hug?
Really? Do I need to ‘teach’ you what a warm hug is? Here goes…A hug is a form of physical affection that involves the wrapping of arms around another person. You can do it with anyone with whom you feel a connection or feel love, including your friends, family members, and even pets.
Hugs are often used to express love, comfort, empathy, or gratitude. Hugging is a very common practice in many cultures and societies. They are often expected as part of a greeting between friends or acquaintances, as well as between family members.
When you hug your children, it is also used to comfort them and show affection. Hugs are sometimes used as a form of therapy in some cultures and societies. Some people may hug as a part of spiritual practices, or others.
Hugging is one of the most common forms of nonverbal communication. It can be used to express emotions like love and appreciation.
The Emotional Benefits of Physical Touch
This simple behavior of hugging has been proven to release high levels of oxytocin“love hormone.” This hormone is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream, where it acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting feelings of calm and security.
According to numerous studies, the scientific benefits of hugs and physical contact might increase oxytocin levels right away. Several growth hormones, including insulin-like and nerve growth factors, increase together with an increase in release of oxytocin. Therefore, a hug’s loving touch promotes a child’s development..literally.
“Kids grow like weeds,” they say…Hug away!
Hugging also releases dopamine, a hormone that controls the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, making us feel content and happy. (No not the beer type of dopamine guys! Focus on the hugging part)…
The release of dopamine from your hugs, or skin contact, will make your child feel loved more and more, which can have a profound effect on their self-esteem and emotional well-being, helping them to feel secure and confident in themselves.
Hugging can also help children build trust and form stronger bonds, which are the building blocks of great relationships. Follow my blog and learn how to build a great relationship with your son!
The Physical Benefits of Hugging
Giving plenty of hugs can help your kids reduce their stress and anxiety, lowering their blood pressure and even decreasing levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in their bloodstream… Calming Effect!
It can also help to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers and create feelings of euphoria. The power of hugs can have a positive effect on your child’s immune system, increasing the number of antibodies, white blood cells, and natural killer cells, which are responsible for fighting infections.
Endorphins are highly addictive! You can get them from exercising and other sources as well… You must have heard of the ‘runner’s high.’ Now how about the ‘hugger’s high.’ New trendy word of the year from yours truly…
Hugging also helps to improve your child’s sleep by releasing serotonin, which has a number of benefits in itself. Sleep provides a break from the stresses and strains of everyday life, allowing us to rest and recharge.
The Psychological Benefits
Your child can benefit from hugs because they can build higher self-esteem and confidence, giving them the superpower to feel a sense of security and more grounded in themselves. It also helps them to feel loved and appreciated, which can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Hugging your child can also help them to better understand their emotions and feelings. It can help them to identify and express their emotions more effectively and appropriately, which can help prevent and reduce the risk of turning into destructive habits or bad behavior.
Your little ones can also develop better interpersonal skills, enabling them to better understand and navigate complex social situations and relationships. Just plain awesome emotional development with a gentle touch.
Daddy Tip for Tantrum-Throwing Child
Next time your little one is having ‘one of those days’ and having temper tantrums, use some tender loving hugs. I’ve done it more than once and it ALWAYS works.
It’s a powerful way to express emotional bonds with your little one as well as giving them a sense of safety when they are not feeling themselves.
1- Knee down in front of them and look at them in their eyes
2- Ask them what’s the problem
3- Open your arms widely
4- Let them melt into you for a long hug
5- Close your arms around them
6- Let them cool off in your arms
7- When they’re ready, let them get back to their fun selves
The 20-Second Hug Rule
Family therapist, Virginia Satir, famously remarked, “We need four hugs a day for survival. 8 hugs are required for maintenance each day. We require 12 hugs regularly each day to grow. This might sound like a full-time job to keep up with but well worth it!
But she also talks about the length and the quality of this daily embrace is more important than frequency. That 20 seconds will give you all the benefits of the above-mentioned. Getting enough hugs is crucial to all family members and it has numerous benefits that will continue well into your child’s life.
Bear Hug a Pillow!
If you’re having a bad day as a parent or worker get a pillow… A recent study discovered that hugging a cushion can have similar benefits! Researchers from Japan conducted an experiment using a human-shaped cushion called the Hugvie.
They divided participants into two groups. The first group had a 15-minute phone conversation with a stranger, while the second group had the same conversation while hugging the Hugvie cushion.
Interestingly, both groups experienced a reduction in stress levels, but the participants who hugged the cushion showed even greater improvement. To measure stress levels, cortisol levels were checked through blood and saliva samples.
It may seem peculiar that a cushion can have such an impact, but the researchers believe it has to do with the act of hugging itself. When you open your arms to embrace something, it creates a sense of space that can help lower cortisol levels.
Cool stuff… So if you’re having a bad parenting day or you’re boss is being an A-Hole, hug a pillow!
The Importance of Hugs?
A simple hug is a positive way to have a positive impact on your child’s overall growth. There are so many positive outcomes to hugging young children on a regular basis.
This simple physical connection is an incredibly special and important act of affection that can help build a strong emotional bond between parent-child.
Remember they are only young once! Don’t wait until the next National Hugging Day, give them a tight hug today.
Hey You!!
“At our Facebook group for fathers, you’ll find a safe and supportive space where you can share your experiences, ask for advice, and connect with other dads from around the world. Join us today!!”
Exciting News! 🎉 Daddy Simply has been recognized as one of the TOP 100 Dad Blogs on the Web by www.feedspot.com! 🏆 We are thrilled and honored to be included among such an esteemed company. This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing readers and contributors. Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful journey! Check out the full list of outstanding dad blogs here: https://blog.feedspot.com/father_blogs/ 🌟 #DaddySimply #Top100DadBlogs #Grateful #ParentingCommunity # quotes
