Knowing the importance of physical touch in the later stages of childhood after infancy and its connection with physical and mental health, and emotional development of children is vital to parents.
Let’s learn why and how physical touch is still important past the baby stage.
What Health Research Says about Touch
According to Counseling various health studies and researches have proven that physical touch is important not just in infancy but after that stage as well, especially the middle part of childhood. Physical touch is vital in the context of showing love, giving positive response, and caring about your child. It gives them a sense of security which is very important for a minor.
Medical science has also proven that physical touch has a direct effect on the human body and mind, because the positive or “good touch” triggers the release of positive hormone Oxytocin, which releases feelings of emotional attachment and strong bonding between parent and child.
Physical Touch during Infancy
Studies have shown how the bad effects can be on infants who are deprived of physical "good" touch by their parents. Human psychology and medical science both prove that the need for showing tenderness, love, and care through physical touch like a hug or kiss is naturally instilled in human beings from infancy, and it still remains there when an infant grows into an adult.
One of the best ways of developing a strong bond between mother and child in infancy through physical touch is breastfeeding. Not only is the child getting nutrition from their mother through breastfeeding, but the baby gets a chance to be physically close to their mother in her lap.
Infancy is a stage when parents, especially mothers, can’t avoid physical touch as you have to hold your baby until they are ready to stand on their own. Child experts say that when an infant is crying, holding and soothing him with a hug, pat, or a kiss makes the infant calm down, and it aids in his physical and mental development.
Physical Touch after Infancy
When your child starts walking by himself and becomes independent, physical closeness with your child is reduced. It's natural your child doesn’t need to be on your lap all the time. However, it doesn’t mean that your child doesn’t need your physical touch anymore.
So, when your child is in middle school, always greet him with a hug and gentle kiss, and when your child is worried or upset, listen to him while patting their back or holding the child tight, giving the feel that you are always there for him.
School-aged children go through many emotional changes. This is the age when they need your emotional and moral support the most. Being physically close to them is one of the key elements that contribute to their strong emotional development. In fact, the "good touch” at this age will positively affect your child’s behavioral patterns.
Physical Touch at an Older Age
Physical touch is as important in older children as it is when they are toddlers. A human, as already mentioned, needs this physical touch even after growing into an adult. As we grow, we expect it not only from parents but also from our significant other or spouse. At this age, a warm hug, greeting, or a pat gives older children and adults the feeling of being loved. In return, children learn to give the same love and care to other relationships that will come later on in their life, such as those with their spouse or children.
Physical Touch & Emotional Intelligence
According to Science Direct, researchers have found that the adult who was properly loved and cared for by his parents or elders during his infancy and middle childhood through physical touch and strong emotional bonding turns out to have a better emotional intelligence which is as important as his IQ. Such children turn out to be more empathetic towards others. Children who are deprived of this physical and emotional attachment with their parents often turn to be cold, aggressive, or insensitive towards others.
Hence, physical touch is vital for children not only in infancy but at all stages. Even if you are a busy or working mom and don’t have much time to raise your child on your own, you must make some “quality” time for your children. Sit with them, hug, kiss and pat them and show them your love and affection at least once or twice a day. So, don’t listen to others who tell you that you’re spoiling your child, and give your child the needed physical touch without being an overprotective parent.
Sources: www.counseling.org, www.sciencedirect.com, www.gottman.com