Science Of Hugs – 7 Benefits Of Hugging Your Child Why Are Hugs Good For You?
Hugging makes us feel good, no doubt. When we are sad or disappointed, a big warm hug can alleviate some of the pain. When we are happy, we want to share the joy by giving others a bear hug. So we intuitively know that hugs are good. But there are other benefits besides feeling warm and fuzzy. Turns out there are important scientific reasons why hugs are good for you and your child. A 20 second hug can help your child grow smarter, healthier, happier, more resilient and closer to the parent. Here are the scientific benefits of
The Science Of Hugs 1. Hugs Create Smarter Kids young child’s growth needs a lot of different sensory stimulation for normal development. Skin contact, or physical touch such as hugging, is one of the most important stimulation required to grow a healthy brain and a strong body. In Eastern European orphanages, infants are rarely handled or touched. They often spend 22 to 23 hours of the days in their cribs. Propped bottles are used to feed them and care is routinized with minimal human interaction. These children often face many issues including impaired cognitive cognitive development. Researchers found that when institutionalized infants received an additional 20 min of tactile stimulation (touch) per day for 10 weeks, they subsequently scored higher on developmental assessments. Studies also found that not all types of touch are beneficial. Only anurturing touch like gentle hugging can provide positive stimulation a young brain needs to grow healthily 2. Hugs Help Kids Grow When children are deprived of physical contact, their bodies stop growing despite normal intake of nutrients. These children suffer fromfailure-to-thrive. This growth deficiency can be improved when nurturing touches and hugs are provided. Hugging triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This feel-good hormone has many important effects on our bodies. One of them is growth stimulation. Studies show that hugging can instantly boost the level of oxytocin. When oxytocin is increased, several growth hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and nerve growth factor (NGF), are increased as well. The nurturing touch of a hug can enhance a child’s growth. 3. Hugging Keeps Kids Healthy Hugs are healthy. The increase level of oxytocin can strengthen immune systems. It lowers the plasma levels of thyroid hormones causing wounds to heal faster.
5.Hugs Help You Bond With Kids Hugs increase trust, reduces fear and improve relationship. Hugging promotes secure attachment and improves parent-child bonding. Go give your children a big gentle hug now and give them the gift of hug benefits.