The moment my three daughters were placed on my chest, I instantly felt that fierce urge to hold them close. Despite my body’s protests, all I wanted was to snuggle them tight. There were days filled with exhaustion and emotional overwhelm that had me in tears, but even in those moments, I longed for their sweet, solid weight in my arms.
When my oldest daughter arrived 15 years ago, practices like co-sleeping, on-demand nursing, and constant cuddling seemed unusual to many parents from the previous generation. I was mostly parenting by instinct in those early months, and yes, it felt a bit odd to me too. However, so did every single aspect of motherhood.
I did what felt right: I held my baby when she cried, kept her close for night feedings, and honestly, it was simply easier to have her strapped to me than to constantly put her down and pick her back up. When I couldn’t take any more, my husband gladly stepped in to hold her.
Contrary to what some might say, there’s absolutely no such thing as giving a child too much love—physically or emotionally. It doesn’t spoil them; it doesn’t turn them into brats. We’re not indulging them when we hug, comfort, or shower them with affection. Little ones need that soothing touch to help them sleep and to learn how to navigate our world. Keeping them close is an instinct for many new parents, and it strengthens the bond while also positively impacting brain development.
Recent studies indicate that more hugs could lead to smarter kids. A study from the Center for Perinatal Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, surveyed 125 infants, both pre- and full-term, to explore their responses to physical touch. Positive interactions, like skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding, elicited stronger brain responses, whereas negative experiences resulted in diminished brain activity. Interestingly, while preemies had a reduced response to gentle touch compared to their full-term counterparts, increased holding improved their brain response.
So, how does this research bolster the idea of enhancing brain power? When babies are born, their brains are still developing. The more positive experiences they have, the more their brains grow. For newborns, touch is their primary means of experiencing the world. Cuddling and rocking stimulate their sensory systems—touch, pressure, pain, vibration, and movement. A well-developed sensory system lays the groundwork for successful cognitive, perceptual, and social development as children mature.
My youngest is now 6, and thankfully, she’s still a cuddler. I cherish our moments—whether curling up in her bed or lounging on the kitchen floor with her in my lap, both of us sharing cuddles with the dog. With a tween and a teenager in the house, I know these moments won’t last forever, and I treasure every second.
I’m the mom who never gives up on hugging, even when faced with teenage eye rolls. They might act indifferent, but I know deep down they appreciate the affection. Doesn’t everyone, young or old? I’ve made it clear that my hugging spree isn’t stopping anytime soon. I’ve even uncovered some science that suggests my affectionate approach might be contributing to their intelligence, even as they grow older. Contrary to the old belief that brain development halts around age 5 or 6, new research shows that kids experience another growth spurt during puberty. So, naturally, I should hug them as much as I can to help them reach their full intellectual potential.
Parenting often presents challenges that we tackle in the moment. We consult books, collaborate with friends, and scour online for support. While trusting ourselves as caregivers may not always feel straightforward, following our instincts often leads to the best outcomes. Science supports the notion that you can’t love or hold your child too much. Affection not only ensures kids feel secure and cherished but also promotes their cognitive growth.
So, embrace those little ones and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. For additional insights into boosting fertility, check out this resource on fertility boosters. If you’re interested in herbal therapies, visit this authority on herbal therapy. For anyone navigating the complexities of insemination, this guide on what to expect during your first IUI is an excellent resource.
In summary, embracing our children with love and affection is not just beneficial for their emotional well-being; it plays a crucial role in their intellectual development as well. So keep hugging, keep snuggling, and cherish those moments while they last!