Hugs, cuddles and kisses are all part of growing up. Science has even discovered that they are essential to growth. Food, clothing and shelter maybe termed the basic necessities of life. But the best food, clothing and the fanciest house fall short if the element of touch is missing from a child's life. Studies prove that a loving touch is essential for a child's physical, mental and emotional health and development.
Touch is the first sense to develop in human infants. Positive touch stimulates pressure receptors under the skin. A heart felt hug comforts us all. It lowers the heart rate, decreases stress hormones and boosts the immune system. In other words, touch helps bodies stay healthy. This cuts across all ages, but it has a special significance for babies.
Babies who are handled often and with love tend to sleep well and have fewer behavioral issues. It has also proved to have a long lasting impact on development and emotional health as they tend to act out less as they grow older and even grow into teenage and adulthood. They show less of the stress hormone 'cortisol' in their systems. Cortisol can actually damage the hippo-campus or the part of the brain that deals with memory and learning. Hence a baby who is deprived of human touch might have learning disabilities and memory issues.
Growth and development
Touch has a demonstrable effect on physical development as well. Children who have not been touched seem to be stunted physically despite having their physical nutritional requirements met. The lack of touch seems to release hormones into a child's system that actually hinders normal growth and affects the immune system. Maybe kissing a boo-boo is not something you do just to distract a crying child from his pain; it may actually be helping him heal.
Bonding
Even at a very basic level, babies who are touched more often tend to recognize their care givers faster, leading to higher self- confidence levels and better interactions with others in social situations later on in life. Children who have been deprived of a loving touch are more likely to make indiscriminate relationships. They are also less likely to have strong bonds. Children who have been handled with love on the other hand, form stronger, more lasting bonds.
Children will signal their need for touch themselves and experts say that every child has a different need. It also changes with age and circumstances. A toddler will hold up his arms and ask to be picked up. A tween or a teenager on the other hand might just high-five a parent or just look for a pat on the back. A nap on the lap might turn to a bed time hug and eventually evolve into just a quick embarrassed peck on the cheek. Experts suggest that you take cues from the kids themselves.
The next time you hug your baby or carry her on your shoulders to get her a better view of the world, remember that you are helping her grow into a well-developed secure adult. So go ahead and keep those hugs and cuddles coming. They are as nourishing as food itself!