From the time we are born, a hug from our parents is a fundamental need for our well-being. Every single hug as a child contributed towards making us feel safe. Hugs we received as children promoted our development for a whole host of scientific reasons. Click on the link to this fantastic article by Katherine Harmon in Scientific American (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/infant-touch)
A hug stimulates comfort for not only the child, but for the mother, too. Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been proven to be lower in children that are hugged regularly as opposed to those who were in orphanages. Enough of the early developmental childhood science…
First, hug your children today. Hug them tightly. No pats on the back. The hug will renew your connection—even if you hugged them yesterday. They will connect with the safety—even if just subconsciously. The hug will verify the safety they have with you as their parent.
Then, hug your spouse or significant other. Hug them tightly. No pats on the back. Hug your spouse in the morning when you wake up, at night before you go to bed, and during the day if possible. Your hugs will remind them of that childhood safety whether they know it or not. Your hugs will lower their stress levels (and yours). Your hugs will calm them down. Your hugs will be wanted more and more. Just do it!!!