Hugging is a therapeutic drug for everybody especially our children. Unfortunately many of them are missing out on the wonders of being hug which may be a contributing factor to many of the negative behaviour of our children. This article examines the importance and benefits of hugging our children daily

Hugging is an expression of physical intimacy. It involves closing or holding the arm(s) around another person or group of persons. It communicates the deepest level of emotion and nourishes the spirit.

Hugging is very natural and therapeutic for men, women, and children. It is a way of fulfilling the profound physical and emotional need for touch in human beings.

This need for touch seems to have gotten lost in the fast-paced world we live in, where we substitute physical contact with the television and or computer games. This results in many of our children being deprived of a simple, cost-less and crucial element for their development, survival and emotional well-being.

Hugging a child is one of the ways of show affection and love. Any adult can share hugs with any child. It has powerful effects that can transform the physical and emotional well-being of the child.

Hugging:

    * Helps the body’s immune system
    * It cures depression
    * It reduces stress
    * It induces sleep
    * It revitalize

In addition to the above effects children also benefit from hugging as it:

    * Makes them feel better about themselves and their surroundings
    * Makes them more loving and affectionate
    * Induces and is an expression of forgiveness
    * Positively affect their development and IQ
    * Increases their sense of security, safety, trust and happiness
    * Relieves pain
    * Relieves loneliness, frustration, anxiety and other negative
       emotions
    * Opens doors to feelings that children may need to share – reducing
       the likelihood of explosive behaviours
    * Overcomes fear
    * Eases tension
    * Imparts feelings of belonging
    * Transfers energy and gives the child hugged an emotional boost

It is amazing how a simple hug can transform the emotional well-being of our children.  

This is supported by scientific research that suggests that every human being needs:

    * Four (4) hugs  per  day to merely survive, that is, minimal emotional
       level
    * Eights (8) hugs per day to maintain oneself at a strong emotional
      level
    * Twelve (12) hugs per day to grow and become a better person

Parents can hug their children in several ways. They include but not limited to:

   1. Bear Hug - One hugger is taller than the other. The short hugger stands straight against the tall hugger who may stand straight or slightly curved over the short hugger. The tall hugger wraps his/her arms around the other’s shoulders while the other hugs around the waist or chest for a few seconds. For a more powerful effect the hug can last ten seconds or more.

   2. Cheek Hug - can be experienced while sitting or standing. Each hugger turns towards the other and press the sides of their face together. For the hug to be most effective each hugger should ensure that they are relaxed by breathing slowly and deeply. One hand can be used to support the other’s back while the other hand supports the back of their head. This hug stirs feelings of happiness and kindness.

   3. Sandwich Hug - appropriate for both parents and a child. The two adults face each other with the child in the middle facing either parent. Each adult reaches towards the other’s waist and hug. This hug gives the child a sense of security especially if he/she is experiencing negative emotions.