Submitted by Shara Lawrence-Weiss

Did you know that appropriate touching, and hugging, are a necessary piece of the parenting puzzle? Without touch, studies have shown that children learn the following lesson: The world cannot be trusted.

My father has been a missionary since the 80's. He's visited orphans in Russia and other nations. He has seen the result that a life spent in cribs, with limited touch, can render. Even while a child grows inside the womb there are bonding strategies that can be utilized (singing, using soft tones, dancing, talking and reading). Once a child is born, the value of touch cannot be matched. Your baby longs to be snuggled (a nice reminder of the safe time spent inside the womb where everything was warm and cozy). Your baby needs to be swaddled, kissed, nursed (if possible) and shown clearly: "You matter to me."

Hugging is no different. In fact, hugging could be considered a life-long need. Even grownups need hugs and will generally accept them, if hugging has been a natural part of their own childhood. If not, the hug might be rejected but all the while their brain is saying..."I want that. I really do want that."

Watch this video to witness the positive effects of hugging, even on strangers (and security guards!):

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You can't put a price on hugs. They are free and they are effective. Our kids want them...and they need them.

Scroll down to view a few wonderful photos of parents hugging their children:

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If there are no children around to hug on Hug Your Kid Day - you have my permission to hug a tree.
Who would stop you? Go ahead. Even trees like hugs (can you prove me otherwise?).

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Personal Child Stories, Early Childhood News and Resources and Kids Perks. She has a background in education, early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.