The benefits of hugging a child for health and psychological

Most parents must have expressed their affection through picking up or inviting children to play, buying expensive toys, or giving their children nutritious food. However, nothing beats cuddling as a powerful way of expressing parent-child affection.

Yes, young children and babies need at least 5 to 6 hugs a day to survive. Research also reveals that often hugging children can make them live and develop better. What are the benefits of hugging children that they can get later?

4 benefits of hugging a child that are important for their growth and development

1. Make children smarter

The benefits of hugging a child are not just showing affection, you know. In fact, by hugging, it can have an impact on their brain development. Research reveals that parents who show their love through a hug can give the impression of a safe and affectionate environment for their children.

In addition, their brains will be more developed when compared to children who are rarely hugged. Although this does not mean that they can increase their IQ, a parent's hug can maximize their work and behavior. Hugging children regularly will have a good impact on the future, the environment and their behavior as adults.

2. Avoid children from feeling stressed and anxious

The production of endorphins in the body is one of the many benefits of hugging a child. Why are endorphins good for children? Basically, this hormone functions to reduce nerve tension and also blood pressure. This means that children who are more often hugged by their parents will avoid stress and anxiety.

This habit of cuddling between parent and child will have an impact on the activities that your child has every day. Therefore, physical contact such as hugging, is useful for releasing certain chemicals in the brain that increase happiness and reduce stress hormones for your baby.

3. They will feel comfortable and be compassionate

Have you ever tried hugging someone who hates being physically touched? It must be awkward, right? Physical touch doesn't have to be a sign of love or anything like that. By being accustomed to hugging or being hugged, children will perceive this as a sense of affection. It is also possible that when the children grow up they will become more empathetic and compassionate, because the meaning and benefits of the hug can transfer good energy to the child.

4. Strengthen the immune system of children

As is known, stressful conditions can trigger the production of the hormone cortisol in the body. And unfortunately, the autonomic nervous system in children is not yet developed enough to regulate emotions on a large scale. If left too long, it will kill certain brain cells, namely the hippocampus area.

Therefore, cuddling has its own benefits for children's health, which is beneficial in bringing their nervous system into balance. Then with the hug, the hormone oxytocin released into the bloodstream will also help strengthen the immune system of your beloved baby.