Hugging a child is not the same as giving in (which does encourage bad behavior). Many parents worry that hugging a tantrum-throwing child is rewarding bad behavior with attention. Nothing can calm a tantrum-throwing toddler faster than a great big hug from the parent. Hugs are good for a child’s emotional health. Oxytocin also facilitates social support, improving the outcomes of various health-related conditions. Oxytocin, released when hugging, is a hormone that has amazing power and benefits our bodies.įor example, the increased level of oxytocin can strengthen our immune response by lowering the plasma levels of thyroid hormones and decreasing inflammation 13, causing wounds to heal faster14. Hugs can promote our physical health and help us heal. There are many health benefits of hugging and kissing your baby. When oxytocin is increased, several growth hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and nerve growth factor (NGF), increase as well 10. As a result, the nurturing touch of a hug enhances a child’s growth 11,12. Studies show that hugging can instantly boost the level of oxytocin. This feel-good hormone has many positive effects on our bodies. One of the reasons why mothers hugging children is associated with physical growth is that it triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. The health of children who suffer from failure-to-thrive can be improved when nurturing touches and hugs are provided 7–9. This condition is called failure-to-thrive.įailure to thrive is a type of growth deficiency. Physicians have found that when children are deprived of physical contact, their bodies stop growing despite normal intake of nutrients. Physical contact is also essential to a child’s physical growth. Only a nurturing touch, such as gentle hugging, can provide the positive stimulation a young brain needs to grow healthily 5,6.įor more help on calming tantrums, check out this step-by-step guide 2. They also found that not all types of touch were beneficial. In a study published in the Genetic Psychology Monographs, researchers found that institutionalized infants who received hugs for an additional 20 min of tactile stimulation (interpersonal touch) per day for ten weeks scored higher in developmental assessments than those who didn’t 4. These children often face many issues, including impaired cognitive development 2, and delayed motor skills development 3. Propped bottles are used to feed them, and care is routinized with minimal interpersonal interaction. They often spend 22 to 23 hours of the day in their cribs. In Eastern European orphanages, infants are rarely handled or touched. Human touches are essential to brain growth.Ī young child needs a lot of different sensory stimulation for normal development. Skin contact, or physical touch such as hugging, is one of the most important stimulations required to grow a healthy brain and a strong body 1. Let’s find out the importance of hugs for kids. So we intuitively know that hugs and kisses are good.īut there are other benefits besides feeling warm and fuzzy.ĭid you know that children cannot grow without hugs?Īn infant’s life was literally saved by hugs (more on this later).Ī 20-second hug can help your kid grow smarter, healthier, happier, more resilient, and closer to you. When we are happy, we want to share the joy by giving others a bear hug. When we are sad or disappointed, a big warm cuddle can alleviate some of the pain. My child wants to hug all the time because it feels good. | Benefits Of Hugs And Kisses | How Many Hugs A Day Does A Child Need |
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