Children can seem like very active beings, and it can be a lot on mom. Children like to hug, poke, hit, and climb all over a parent and it can be so extreme that mom may start to feel like she is a human jungle gym. It can cause a lot of overstimulation in parents, and by the end of the day, they are longing to be left alone for just a few minutes. On the other hand, parents do enjoy a good cuddle every once in a while. When they are relaxing and watching a movie together or reading a book, they like to have their child curl up in their arms.
That could be because parents are constantly reminded that children grow up, and they won’t want to cuddle forever. So, mom needs to make sure she enjoys it while they are little. Cuddling is also something that can be taken for granted. We think it is just a part of life and growing up, and we can forget the benefits that come with cuddling for children.
Biological Reactions
A cuddle is much more than just hugging your child and squeezing them tight, there are actual biological benefits and physical changes that happen when a child is cuddled.
According to Huffington Post, a recent study showed that when a child is cuddled by their parents, their heart rate dipped down. Now, the drop was not in a bad way. It was shown to be a great way to calm a child down.
Children are prone to some big feelings, and even if they are not showing it with behaviors, they go through periods where they are upset and their heart rate increases. A good cuddle with mom can help lower their heart rate and make them feel calmer.
Leads To Happier Adults
Research has been done on the immediate and long-lasting impacts of cuddling, and they have found that the more you cuddle your children when they are young, the happier they may turn out to be.
According to First Things First, studies have shown that there is a direct link between happy adults and how much they were cuddled by their parents as children. This is due to the release of oxytocin when a child is being cuddled.
Oxytocin is a natural chemical that is released by the brain when a person feels love and affection. The release of oxytocin also encourages growth and nerve hormones, leading children to grow up with better physical health as well.
Safety & Protection
When a child is feeling scared, nervous, or in pain, they will tend to run to a parent’s arms, and that is because they rely on that cuddle for safety. According to A Mother Far From Home, cuddles and hugs are a direct communication of safety without any words. When a child is feeling afraid or nervous, a comforting touch may be all they need to feel safe and secure.
Safety and security are very important to children, and they require this environment to be able to develop appropriately and healthy. A cuddle is a lot more than just a warm hug. It is a communication of happiness, love, safety, and trust.
Sources: A Mother Far From Home, Huffington Post, First Things First