When was the last time you hugged your child? When did you last lovingly stroke your child’s hair or arm? Experts continue to agree that nurturing touch during the parent-child interaction is very important for a child’s social, emotional, and intellectual development.
According to researchers Melody Whiddon and Marilyn Montgomery, studies have established that humans are “hardwired to crave touch and actually require it for normal physical, social, and emotional development to occur. Many systems in the brain are activated by touch, without which optimal physiological development is not possible. Moreover, positive, nurturing touch triggers the release of the ‘bonding hormone,’ Oxytocin, which increases feelings of closeness and facilitates parent-child attachment and social-emotional adjustment.”
In her online article titled The Importance of Touch - From Hugs to High-Fives, Kids of All Ages Need to Physically Feel Our Love, Susan Spicer writes that “touch=health”. Science has established that positive touch actually lowers depression. Moreover, skin-to-skin contact enhances a child’s feeling of safety and trust. Touch is an important way to communicate to children your love, care, and concern.
Parents are encouraged to positively touch and nurture their children. Young children typically seek touch, but older ones may shy away. It is recommended that parents follow their children’s cues – if a child comes seeking a hug, hug him; if the child walks away, consider some other form of showing affection, such as playful wrestling or tickling. Don’t give up! Seek to give your children that loving touch as much as possible.
To read the article by Melody Whiddon and Marilyn Montgomery and for more information, please visit:
https://www.counseling.org/resources/library/vistas/2011-v-online/Article_88.pdf
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/the-importance-of-touch/