Cuddle your children whenever you can—they will become smarter and healthier!
Embrace your children as often as possible. If gentle hugs have already become a habit for you—great. If not—make “hugs” your tradition instead. One day, you will hear a “thank you” for it.
Recent studies have confirmed that hugs, expressing physical affection, are extremely important for a child’s development.
The study analyzed the condition of 125 babies from the National Children’s Hospital in the state of Ohio, including premature and full-term babies. The results showed that with consistent care and frequent hugs, strong reactions occur in the babies’ brains, accelerating their development. Showing love and tenderness not only reflects your kindness and humanity but also brings great benefits to your child.
According to the project’s lead researcher, Dr. Natalie Matre, such a simple and ordinary action significantly affects the child’s brain activity. During a hug, a significant amount of oxytocin is released—an hormone that contributes to a surge of tenderness and is responsible for forming affection between the mother and the baby.
A child who receives few or no hugs develops more slowly, lacks self-confidence, and struggles to communicate with others. Thus, a hug is not just a pleasant gesture. It’s a way to show affection, increase the level of the “tenderness hormone,” and harmonize mental well-being. How often do you offer the joy of hugs to your children?