{"id":19705,"date":"2021-08-11T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/?p=19705"},"modified":"2024-04-02T12:33:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T17:33:20","slug":"children-hugging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/","title":{"rendered":"How Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"meta-desc\">Inside: Hugging your child can lead to life-long positive outcomes for them and reduce the harmful effects of stress, but you need to hug like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One morning a while back, my toddler tackled me in a bear hug. As his pudgy arms clung to my neck, I felt my shoulders relax, and my jaw unclenched. The stress of the moment melted away, and I felt fully and deeply connected to my child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But then I glanced at my oldest, now a teenager, sitting on the couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And my stomach twisted with an <strong>uncomfortable<\/strong> thought: When was the last time I hugged <em>her<\/em> like that? I couldn&rsquo;t remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My mind jumped to my other kids, 8 and 6, who were upstairs playing pretend in their room. I racked my brain, trying to think back to <em>our<\/em> last hugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick squeezes and pecks on the head, but I couldn&rsquo;t recall more than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"yellowbox\"><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, <a href=\"#get-printable-hug-tracker\" class=\"modal-trigger\">get a free printable<\/a> that will help you strengthen your hugging habit and make sure your child gets all the powerful benefits that great hugs can provide.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-blocks-modal-link{color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-radius:0px;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-blocks-modal-link:hover, #kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-blocks-modal-link:focus{color:#f96d60;}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-overlay{background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-overlay{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;max-width:700px;-ms-flex-pack:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;text-align:left;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container{padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:10px;}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);border-top-left-radius:3px;border-top-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-left-radius:3px;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19836_bedba2-32 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-modal aligncenter kt-modal-linkalign-center\" id=\"kt-modal19836_bedba2-32\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id19705_fcf775-77 .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id19705_fcf775-77 .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id19705_fcf775-77 .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id19705_fcf775-77 .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"importance-of-hugging-your-child-benefits\">The Importance of Hugging Your Child: 6 Powerful Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a Certified Parent Educator, I&rsquo;m trained on the science behind hugs and the benefits of hugging your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yet, I&rsquo;d gotten so caught up in the go-go-go of daily parenting life that I&rsquo;d slipped into a <strong>bad habit<\/strong> of quick half-second hugs to say good morning or when my kids headed out for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So I went back to review my notes on exactly <em>how<\/em> a habit of hugging your child for several seconds impacts them. And I uncovered both short-term and long-term benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A parent&rsquo;s affection shapes a child&rsquo;s happiness for life<\/strong> &ndash; Several studies have shown that warmth and affection expressed by a parent to their child results in life-long positive outcomes for the child. That includes higher self-esteem, better parent-child communication, and fewer psychological and behavior problems.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"1\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-1\">1<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-1\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"1\">Cox, M. J., &amp; Harter, K. S. M. (2003). Parent-child relationships. In M. H. Bornstein, L. Davidson, C. L. M. Keyes, &amp; K. A. Moore (Eds.),&nbsp;<em>Well-being: Positive development across the life course<\/em>&nbsp;(pp. 191&ndash;204). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A parent&rsquo;s affection protects a child<\/strong> &ndash; Parental warmth and affection can protect a child from the harmful effects of stress, leading to better mental and physical health outcomes for the child.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"2\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-2\">2<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-2\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"2\">Carroll, J. E., Gruenewald, T. L., Taylor, S. E., Janicki-Deverts, D., Matthews, K. A., &amp; Seeman, T. E. (2013). Childhood abuse and biological risk. <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences<\/em>, 110(42), 17149-17153. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1315458110\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A parent&rsquo;s affection increases a child&rsquo;s empathy<\/strong> &ndash; When a child receives parental warmth and affection, they&rsquo;re less likely to experience depression and anxiety as an adult, plus they demonstrate a greater capacity for empathy and compassion.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"3\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-3\">3<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-3\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"3\">Narvaez, D., Wang, L., &amp; Cheng, Y. (2016). The evolved developmental niche in childhood: Relation to adult psychopathology and morality. <em>Applied Developmental Science<\/em>, 20(4), 294-309. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10888691.2015.1128835\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hugs promote bonding<\/strong> &ndash; Warm, affectionate contact like a hug increases oxytocin<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"4\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-4\">4<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-4\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"4\">Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span>, which is a hormone in the body that promotes bonding in a relationship<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"5\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-5\">5<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-5\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"5\">Dfarhud, D., Malmir, M., &amp; Khanahmadi, M. (2014). Happiness &amp; Health: The Biological Factors &ndash; Systematic Review Article.&nbsp;<em>Iranian journal of public health<\/em>,&nbsp;43(11), 1468&ndash;1477. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4449495\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> <sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"6\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-6\">6<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-6\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"6\">Buchheim, B., Heinrichs, M., George, C., Pokorny, D., Koops, E., Henningsen, P., O&rsquo;Connor, M., &amp; G&uuml;ndel, H. (2009). Oxytocin enhances the experience of attachment security. <em>Psychoneuroendocrinology<\/em>, 34(9), 1417-1422. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2009.04.002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> and facilitates feelings of trust between humans.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"7\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-7\">7<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-7\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"7\">Neumann, I. D. (2007). Oxytocin: The Neuropeptide of Love Reveals Some of Its Secrets. <em>Cell Metabolism<\/em>, 5(4), 231-233. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cmet.2007.03.008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> <sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"8\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-8\">8<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-8\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"8\">Kosfeld, M., Heinrichs, M., Zak, P., Fischbacher, U., &amp; Fehr, E. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. <em>Nature<\/em>, 435, 673&ndash;676. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/nature03701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hugs reduce stress<\/strong> &ndash; Scientists have also found evidence that oxytocin can reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"9\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-9\">9<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-9\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"9\">Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> and promote feelings of relaxation.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"10\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-10\">10<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-10\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"10\">Neumann, I. D. (2007). Oxytocin: The Neuropeptide of Love Reveals Some of Its Secrets. <em>Cell Metabolism<\/em>, 5(4), 231-233. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cmet.2007.03.008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> <sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"11\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-11\">11<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-11\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"11\">Uvnas-Moberg, K., &amp; Petersson, M. (2005). Oxytocin, ein Vermittler von Antistress, Wohlbefinden, sozialer Interaktion, Wachstum und Heilung [Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. <em>Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie<\/em>, 51(1), 57&ndash;80. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.13109\/zptm.2005.51.1.57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hugs boost your mood<\/strong> &ndash; After an increase in oxytocin, the body releases serotonin.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"12\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-12\">12<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-12\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"12\">Sohal, V. S. (2013). Serotonin Gives Oxytocin a Helping Hand. <em>Science Translational Medicine<\/em>, 5(207), 207ec172. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/scitranslmed.3007759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> You&rsquo;ve probably heard of serotonin before because it&rsquo;s known as the &ldquo;happy chemical&rdquo; because it boosts your mood.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"13\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-13\">13<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-13\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"13\">Mitchell, R. L., &amp; Phillips, L. H. (2007). The psychological, neurochemical and functional neuroanatomical mediators of the effects of positive and negative mood on executive functions. <em>Neuropsychologia<\/em>, 45(4), 617&ndash;629. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuropsychologia.2006.06.030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To add to all that, I know that if I want nurture a loving parent-child relationship that will last into the teenage years and beyond, the time for nurturing that kind of relationship is <em>now<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So I decided to renew my commitment to hugging my children &ndash; truly hugging them, not just quick squeezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My go-to <strong>solution<\/strong>? The Hugging Challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-pin-id=\"128000814399644563\" data-pin-description=\"Hugging your child promotes bonding, reduces stress, and boosts your child's mood (and yours!). But this is IMPORTANT: Quick hugs given once or twice a day *won't* deliver those benefits. Click through to find out how to hug your child in the best way possible, plus how many hugs you need a day. ***Includes a free printable to help you give better hugs, plus a list of 20 fun ways to hug your child.\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-dad-daughter.jpg\" alt=\"Parent hugging child shows the importance of hugging your child\" class=\"wp-image-19756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-dad-daughter.jpg 640w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-dad-daughter-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-dad-daughter.jpg\"><\/figure><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"science-behind-hugs\">The Science Behind Hugging Your Child<\/h2><p>The Hugging Challenge works because it&rsquo;s based on the science behind hugs <em>and<\/em> the science behind behavior change.<\/p><p>Before we get into the specifics of how the Hugging Challenge works, <strong>first<\/strong> here&rsquo;s a quick recap of what research tells us about great hugs:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How long you hold on matters<\/strong> &ndash; When you hold a hug for several seconds, oxytocin<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"14\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-14\">14<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-14\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"14\">Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> and serotonin<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"15\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-15\">15<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-15\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"15\">Sohal, V. S. (2013). Serotonin Gives Oxytocin a Helping Hand. <em>Science Translational Medicine<\/em>, 5(207), 207ec172. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/scitranslmed.3007759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> start flowing. Those are the chemicals that promote bonding and reduce your stress,<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"16\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-16\">16<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-16\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"16\">Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> plus they boost your mood.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"17\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-17\">17<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-17\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"17\">Mitchell, R. L., &amp; Phillips, L. H. (2007). The psychological, neurochemical and functional neuroanatomical mediators of the effects of positive and negative mood on executive functions. <em>Neuropsychologia<\/em>, 45(4), 617&ndash;629. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuropsychologia.2006.06.030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> Science hasn&rsquo;t given us a definitive answer yet on <em>exactly<\/em> how long a hug needs to last to get those benefits, but the author of <em>The Happiness Project<\/em> discovered research indicating that six seconds is where the magic starts to happen.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"18\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-18\">18<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-18\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"18\">Rubin, G. (2010). <em>The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun<\/em>. HarperCollins Publishers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0062888749\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0062888749&amp;linkId=986a69c2fee7a263f1f3675464a55476\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> In other words, if you want to nurture your bond with your child, a super-short hug won&rsquo;t cut it. Hold on until you start to feel relaxed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How often you hug matters, too<\/strong> &ndash; How many hugs do we need a day? Research shows that just one hug a day can improve your mood and decrease conflict in the relationship afterwards.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"19\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-19\">19<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-19\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"19\">Murphy M. L. M, Janicki-Deverts D., &amp; Cohen S. (2018.) Receiving a hug is associated with the attenuation of negative mood that occurs on days with interpersonal conflict. <em>PLoS ONE<\/em> 13(10). e0203522. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0203522\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> Researcher and author Dr. Sara Gottfried says that in order to reap the full benefits of the oxytocin that hugs can stimulate, you need to give or receive eight hugs a day.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"20\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-20\">20<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-20\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"20\">Carter, C. (2012, May). Happiness Tip: Give 8 Hugs Everyday. Dr. Christine Carter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christinecarter.com\/2012\/05\/happiness-tip-give-8-hugs-everyday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> Eight hugs a day of seven seconds adds up to 56 seconds. That means that in less than a minute a day, you can boost your child&rsquo;s mood (and yours) plus strengthen your bond.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>To add to that, world-renowned psychotherapist Virginia Satir who&rsquo;s known as the &ldquo;Mother of Family Therapy&rdquo;<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"21\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-21\">21<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-21\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"21\">Virginia Satir. (2002, December 4). In <em>Wikipedia<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Virginia_Satir\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span> was famous for saying this:<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"22\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-22\">22<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-22\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"22\">Comaford, C. (2020, August 22). Are You Getting Enough Hugs?. <em>Forbes<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/christinecomaford\/2020\/08\/22\/are-you-getting-enough-hugs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p><blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&ldquo;We need 4 hugs a day for survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We need 12 hugs a day for growth.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<cite>Virginia Satir<\/cite><\/blockquote><p>The Hugging Challenge also builds on the science behind behavior change. For example, below you&rsquo;ll get a visual cue to serve as a gentle, physical reminder of the goal you set to give your child great hugs. Because when you&rsquo;re trying to stick to a habit, research shows that a visual cue can remind you of your intention when you&rsquo;re most likely to forget it.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"23\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-23\">23<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-23\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"23\">Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., &amp; Switzler, A. (2012). <em>Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success<\/em>. Grand Central Publishing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B004W11HUK\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B004W11HUK&amp;linkId=8c2b221006c96373e7341164bf496586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p><p>But here&rsquo;s the <strong>best<\/strong> part: Giving your child several heartfelt hugs a day can be a <em>keystone habit<\/em> that will nurture your parent-child relationship in a deep way. Keystone habits are special because they kick off a chain reaction, influencing several aspects of your life at once. Translation: You can focus on just one keystone habit, and you&rsquo;ll experience several positive impacts.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"24\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-24\">24<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-24\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"24\">Duhigg, C. (2012). <em>The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business<\/em>. Random House Publishing Group. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/081298160X\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=081298160X&amp;linkId=a80b1b7a03887208226e5ac6f1f40a25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s a quick example of how a keystone habit works:<\/p><blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&ldquo;Take, for instance, studies from the past decade examining the impacts of exercise on daily routines. When people start habitually exercising, even as infrequently as once a week, they start changing other, unrelated patterns in their lives, often unknowingly. Typically, people who exercise start eating better and becoming more productive at work. They smoke less and show more patience with colleagues and family. They use their credit cards less frequently and say they feel less stressed&hellip;[For] many people, exercise is a keystone habit that triggers widespread change.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<cite>Charles Duhigg, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/081298160X\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=081298160X&amp;linkId=bd4eb819df3929b269074d2cc5bd616b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Power of Habit<\/a>&dagger;<\/cite><\/blockquote><p class=\"meta-desc\"><sup>&dagger;<\/sup> This site is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.<\/p><p>In my personal experience and in my work with families as a Certified Parent Educator, taking that one simple step of saying &ldquo;yes&rdquo; to a healthy hugging habit ends up improving your relationship with your child as a <strong>whole<\/strong>.<\/p><p>You&rsquo;ll feel more connected, and you&rsquo;ll likely find that you have more patience with your child. And because connection breeds cooperation, your child may start to listen more and be more cooperative.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"25\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-25\">25<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-25\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"25\">Markham, L. (2021, May 24). <em>10 Habits to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child<\/em>. Aha! Parenting. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahaparenting.com\/blog\/10_habits_to_stay_connected_to_your_child\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p><p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/positive-words-for-kids\/\">How to Make Your Child Feel Absolutely Loved: 75 Positive Words for Kids<\/a> {Printable}<\/strong><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parent-hugging-child-challenge\">How to Take the Hugging Challenge<\/h2><p>Think back to the last couple times you hugged your child. Were they quick squeezes hello or goodbye? Or did you hold on long enough to feel your child relax into you?<\/p><p>To strengthen your hugging habit and make sure your child gets all the <strong>powerful<\/strong> benefits that great hugs can provide, try the Hugging Challenge for one week.<\/p><p>This is something I do once in a while to reconnect with the importance of hugging my child, and it works like magic. It&rsquo;s easy and quick so I can fit it into my busy day, and it gently breaks a &ldquo;quick squeeze&rdquo; hug habit, replacing it with a <em>whole-hearted<\/em> hug habit.<\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s how the Hugging Challenge works:<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"list-style-type:1\">\n<li><strong>Promise yourself.<\/strong> Set a personal goal to give your child eight great hugs every day for a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Say it.<\/strong> Say your promise out loud or write it down to make the commitment official: &ldquo;I will hug my child eight times today and every day this week.&rdquo;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is called an implementation intention, and hundreds of studies have shown they help you stick to your goals.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"26\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-26\">26<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-26\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"26\">Clear, J. (2018). <em>Atomic Habits: An Easy &amp; Proven Way to Build Good Habits &amp; Break Bad Ones<\/em>. Avery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0735211299\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0735211299&amp;linkId=1596166f3092f22bfcd46c54801dfe53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To get the full benefit of your implementation intention, be as specific as you can. For example, you might list specific times you plan to hug your child, like this: &ldquo;I will hug my child eight times today and every day this week &ndash; once when they wake up, before every meal, anytime we say goodbye, at bedtime, and a couple more spontaneous hugs.&rdquo;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Track it.<\/strong> Grab the bonus Hugging Challenge tracker at the end of this post, and use it to keep track of your hugs and mark off one box for every awesome hug you deliver.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is a visual cue to help you form the habit.<sup class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote \" data-mfn=\"27\" data-mfn-post-scope=\"0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" role=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-describedby=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-27\">27<\/a><\/sup><span id=\"mfn-content-0000000000000fca0000000000000000_19705-27\" role=\"tooltip\" class=\"modern-footnotes-footnote__note\" tabindex=\"0\" data-mfn=\"27\">Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., &amp; Switzler, A. (2012). <em>Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success<\/em>. Grand Central Publishing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B004W11HUK\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B004W11HUK&amp;linkId=8c2b221006c96373e7341164bf496586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your tracker somewhere handy but visible, like in your back pocket, next to your phone, or taped to your steering wheel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hug your child<\/strong>. For every hug, make sure it lasts at least 6 seconds or until you start to feel relaxed.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you want to recalibrate yourself during the first few hugs, you can count in your head while you hug your child, but just for fun instead of your typical second-counting phrase like <em>One Mississippi, two Mississippi&hellip; <\/em>or <em>One one thousand, two one thousand<\/em>, you can try <em>One I love you, two I love you&hellip;<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you want to add a dash of fun and playfulness to your Hugging Challenge and delight your child at the same time, surprise them with a&nbsp;<em>new<\/em>&nbsp;kind of hug. Find a new hug to try in this list: <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/how-to-hug-a-child\/\">21 Sweet and Silly Hugs to Make Your Child Feel Loved<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important:<\/strong> While hugging your child is beneficial for you both, the point is not to force hugs on anyone. Just as you probably aren&rsquo;t always in the mood for a hug, your child sometimes may not want a hug either. You can ask a simple question like &ldquo;Can I have a hug?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Hey, you got a second for a hug?&rdquo; to remind your child <em>they<\/em> get to decide. Or as another option, you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/rude-kids\/\">this genius solution<\/a> to put your child in the driver&rsquo;s seat on the kind of affection they want.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol><p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/how-to-love-your-child\/\">101 Heartfelt and Simple Ways to Love Your Child Every Day<\/a> {Printable}<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-pin-id=\"128000814399644563\" data-pin-description=\"Hugging your child promotes bonding, reduces stress, and boosts your child's mood (and yours!). But this is IMPORTANT: Quick hugs given once or twice a day *won't* deliver those benefits. Click through to find out how to hug your child in the best way possible, plus how many hugs you need a day. ***Includes a free printable to help you give better hugs, plus a list of 20 fun ways to hug your child.\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/spending-time-with-kids-reading.jpg\" alt=\"Mom hugging a child\" class=\"wp-image-15980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/spending-time-with-kids-reading.jpg 640w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/spending-time-with-kids-reading-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/spending-time-with-kids-reading.jpg\"><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"free-printable\">Get Your Free Printable: The Hug Tracker<\/h2><p>Use this free Hugging Challenge tracker to strengthen your hugging habit and make sure your child gets all the powerful benefits that great hugs can provide.<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get the free printable<\/strong>. Join my weekly-ish newsletter and as a bonus, you&rsquo;ll get the printable! Just <a href=\"#get-printable-hug-tracker\" class=\"modal-trigger\">click here to get it and subscribe<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Print<\/strong> your Hugging Challenge tracker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep it handy<\/strong> and visible, like in your back pocket, next to your phone, or taped to your steering wheel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hug your child<\/strong>, aiming for eight 6-second hugs a day. On your tracker, mark off one box for every awesome hug you give your child.<\/li>\n<\/ol><p>Here&rsquo;s a sneak peek of your printable hug tracker:<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a class=\"modal-trigger\" href=\"#get-printable-hug-tracker\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" data-pin-id=\"128000814399644563\" data-pin-description=\"Hugging your child promotes bonding, reduces stress, and boosts your child's mood (and yours!). But this is IMPORTANT: Quick hugs given once or twice a day *won't* deliver those benefits. Click through to find out how to hug your child in the best way possible, plus how many hugs you need a day. ***Includes a free printable to help you give better hugs, plus a list of 20 fun ways to hug your child.\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-preview-printable.png\" alt=\"Preview of printable: Hugging Challenge tracker\" class=\"wp-image-19747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-preview-printable.png 640w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-preview-printable-300x197.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-preview-printable.png\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading after-entry-cta\" id=\"h-before-you-go-get-my-free-cheat-sheet-75-nbsp-positive-phrases-every-child-needs-to-hear\">Before you go, get my FREE cheat sheet: <a href=\"#get-printable-positive-words\" class=\"modal-trigger\">75&nbsp;Positive Phrases Every Child Needs to Hear<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n<style>#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-blocks-modal-link{color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-radius:0px;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-blocks-modal-link:hover, #kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-blocks-modal-link:focus{color:#f96d60;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay{background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;max-width:700px;-ms-flex-pack:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;text-align:left;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:10px;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);border-top-left-radius:3px;border-top-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-left-radius:3px;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-modal aligncenter kt-modal-linkalign-center\" id=\"kt-modal19878_ef407f-13\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"your-turn\">Your Turn<\/h2><p>What are your thoughts on the importance of hugging your child? Share in a comment below!<\/p><ul class=\"modern-footnotes-list modern-footnotes-list--hide-for-print\"><li><span>1<\/span><div>Cox, M. J., &amp; Harter, K. S. M. (2003). Parent-child relationships. In M. H. Bornstein, L. Davidson, C. L. M. Keyes, &amp; K. A. Moore (Eds.),&nbsp;<em>Well-being: Positive development across the life course<\/em>&nbsp;(pp. 191&ndash;204). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.<\/div><\/li><li><span>2<\/span><div>Carroll, J. E., Gruenewald, T. L., Taylor, S. E., Janicki-Deverts, D., Matthews, K. A., &amp; Seeman, T. E. (2013). Childhood abuse and biological risk. <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences<\/em>, 110(42), 17149-17153. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1315458110\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>3<\/span><div>Narvaez, D., Wang, L., &amp; Cheng, Y. (2016). The evolved developmental niche in childhood: Relation to adult psychopathology and morality. <em>Applied Developmental Science<\/em>, 20(4), 294-309. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10888691.2015.1128835\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>4<\/span><div>Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>5<\/span><div>Dfarhud, D., Malmir, M., &amp; Khanahmadi, M. (2014). Happiness &amp; Health: The Biological Factors &ndash; Systematic Review Article.&nbsp;<em>Iranian journal of public health<\/em>,&nbsp;43(11), 1468&ndash;1477. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4449495\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>6<\/span><div>Buchheim, B., Heinrichs, M., George, C., Pokorny, D., Koops, E., Henningsen, P., O&rsquo;Connor, M., &amp; G&uuml;ndel, H. (2009). Oxytocin enhances the experience of attachment security. <em>Psychoneuroendocrinology<\/em>, 34(9), 1417-1422. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2009.04.002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>7<\/span><div>Neumann, I. D. (2007). Oxytocin: The Neuropeptide of Love Reveals Some of Its Secrets. <em>Cell Metabolism<\/em>, 5(4), 231-233. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cmet.2007.03.008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>8<\/span><div>Kosfeld, M., Heinrichs, M., Zak, P., Fischbacher, U., &amp; Fehr, E. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. <em>Nature<\/em>, 435, 673&ndash;676. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/nature03701\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>9<\/span><div>Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>10<\/span><div>Neumann, I. D. (2007). Oxytocin: The Neuropeptide of Love Reveals Some of Its Secrets. <em>Cell Metabolism<\/em>, 5(4), 231-233. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cmet.2007.03.008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>11<\/span><div>Uvnas-Moberg, K., &amp; Petersson, M. (2005). Oxytocin, ein Vermittler von Antistress, Wohlbefinden, sozialer Interaktion, Wachstum und Heilung [Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. <em>Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie<\/em>, 51(1), 57&ndash;80. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.13109\/zptm.2005.51.1.57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>12<\/span><div>Sohal, V. S. (2013). Serotonin Gives Oxytocin a Helping Hand. <em>Science Translational Medicine<\/em>, 5(207), 207ec172. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/scitranslmed.3007759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>13<\/span><div>Mitchell, R. L., &amp; Phillips, L. H. (2007). The psychological, neurochemical and functional neuroanatomical mediators of the effects of positive and negative mood on executive functions. <em>Neuropsychologia<\/em>, 45(4), 617&ndash;629. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuropsychologia.2006.06.030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>14<\/span><div>Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>15<\/span><div>Sohal, V. S. (2013). Serotonin Gives Oxytocin a Helping Hand. <em>Science Translational Medicine<\/em>, 5(207), 207ec172. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/scitranslmed.3007759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>16<\/span><div>Waring B. (2006). A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. <em>National Institutes of Health Record<\/em>,58(4), 8-9. <a href=\"https:\/\/nihrecord.nih.gov\/past-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>17<\/span><div>Mitchell, R. L., &amp; Phillips, L. H. (2007). The psychological, neurochemical and functional neuroanatomical mediators of the effects of positive and negative mood on executive functions. <em>Neuropsychologia<\/em>, 45(4), 617&ndash;629. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuropsychologia.2006.06.030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>18<\/span><div>Rubin, G. (2010). <em>The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun<\/em>. HarperCollins Publishers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0062888749\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0062888749&amp;linkId=986a69c2fee7a263f1f3675464a55476\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>19<\/span><div>Murphy M. L. M, Janicki-Deverts D., &amp; Cohen S. (2018.) Receiving a hug is associated with the attenuation of negative mood that occurs on days with interpersonal conflict. <em>PLoS ONE<\/em> 13(10). e0203522. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0203522\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>20<\/span><div>Carter, C. (2012, May). Happiness Tip: Give 8 Hugs Everyday. Dr. Christine Carter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christinecarter.com\/2012\/05\/happiness-tip-give-8-hugs-everyday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>21<\/span><div>Virginia Satir. (2002, December 4). In <em>Wikipedia<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Virginia_Satir\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>22<\/span><div>Comaford, C. (2020, August 22). Are You Getting Enough Hugs?. <em>Forbes<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/christinecomaford\/2020\/08\/22\/are-you-getting-enough-hugs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>23<\/span><div>Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., &amp; Switzler, A. (2012). <em>Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success<\/em>. Grand Central Publishing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B004W11HUK\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B004W11HUK&amp;linkId=8c2b221006c96373e7341164bf496586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>24<\/span><div>Duhigg, C. (2012). <em>The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business<\/em>. Random House Publishing Group. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/081298160X\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=081298160X&amp;linkId=a80b1b7a03887208226e5ac6f1f40a25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>25<\/span><div>Markham, L. (2021, May 24). <em>10 Habits to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child<\/em>. Aha! Parenting. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahaparenting.com\/blog\/10_habits_to_stay_connected_to_your_child\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>26<\/span><div>Clear, J. (2018). <em>Atomic Habits: An Easy &amp; Proven Way to Build Good Habits &amp; Break Bad Ones<\/em>. Avery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0735211299\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0735211299&amp;linkId=1596166f3092f22bfcd46c54801dfe53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><span>27<\/span><div>Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., &amp; Switzler, A. (2012). <em>Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success<\/em>. Grand Central Publishing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B004W11HUK\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=hyhf-hug-child-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B004W11HUK&amp;linkId=8c2b221006c96373e7341164bf496586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><i class=\"far fa-external-link-alt\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/li","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inside: Hugging your child can lead to life-long positive outcomes for them and reduce the harmful effects of stress, but you need to hug like this. One morning a while back, my toddler tackled me in a bear hug. As his pudgy arms clung to my neck, I felt my shoulders relax, and my jaw&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4511,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-bonding","category-printables"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.0 (Yoast SEO v25.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>It&#039;s Science: Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hugging your child can lead to life-long positive outcomes for them and reduce the harmful effects of stress, but you need to hug like this.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"44 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/930987755e95179c5b9f3335e3c8ce57\"},\"headline\":\"How Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-08-11T11:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-04-02T17:33:20+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/\"},\"wordCount\":2420,\"commentCount\":8,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Family Bonding\",\"Printables\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/\",\"name\":\"It's Science: Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-08-11T11:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-04-02T17:33:20+00:00\",\"description\":\"Hugging your child can lead to life-long positive outcomes for them and reduce the harmful effects of stress, but you need to hug like this.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg\",\"width\":740,\"height\":480,\"caption\":\"It's Science: Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Parenting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/category\/parenting-tips\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Family Bonding\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/category\/parenting-tips\/family-bonding\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"How Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/\",\"name\":\"Happy You, Happy Family\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Happy You, Happy Family\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/happyyouhappyfamilyLOGO-skinny.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/happyyouhappyfamilyLOGO-skinny.png\",\"width\":486,\"height\":340,\"caption\":\"Happy You, Happy Family\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/happyyouhappyfamily\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/kellyjholmes\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/930987755e95179c5b9f3335e3c8ce57\",\"name\":\"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/037a5882c2b3829cead3c4e2d4b917f520c55bbce22b04ec761173cfb6509e0f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/037a5882c2b3829cead3c4e2d4b917f520c55bbce22b04ec761173cfb6509e0f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator\"},\"description\":\"I'm a mom of four, a Certified Parent Educator, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. I believe if you want a loving parent-child relationship that will last into the teenage years and beyond, the time for nurturing that kind of relationship is now. The good news? All you need is 10 minutes a day. Start here \u00bb\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/about\/\",\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/happyyouhappyfamily\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kellyjholmes\/\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/kellyjholmes\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"It's Science: Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life","description":"Hugging your child can lead to life-long positive outcomes for them and reduce the harmful effects of stress, but you need to hug like this.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator","Est. reading time":"44 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/"},"author":{"name":"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/930987755e95179c5b9f3335e3c8ce57"},"headline":"How Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life","datePublished":"2021-08-11T11:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-02T17:33:20+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/"},"wordCount":2420,"commentCount":8,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg","articleSection":["Family Bonding","Printables"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/","url":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/","name":"It's Science: Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg","datePublished":"2021-08-11T11:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-02T17:33:20+00:00","description":"Hugging your child can lead to life-long positive outcomes for them and reduce the harmful effects of stress, but you need to hug like this.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg","width":740,"height":480,"caption":"It's Science: Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/children-hugging\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Parenting","item":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/category\/parenting-tips\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Family Bonding","item":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/category\/parenting-tips\/family-bonding\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How Hugging Your Child Shapes Their Happiness for Life"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/","name":"Happy You, Happy Family","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization","name":"Happy You, Happy Family","url":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/happyyouhappyfamilyLOGO-skinny.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/happyyouhappyfamilyLOGO-skinny.png","width":486,"height":340,"caption":"Happy You, Happy Family"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/happyyouhappyfamily","https:\/\/x.com\/kellyjholmes"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/930987755e95179c5b9f3335e3c8ce57","name":"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/037a5882c2b3829cead3c4e2d4b917f520c55bbce22b04ec761173cfb6509e0f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/037a5882c2b3829cead3c4e2d4b917f520c55bbce22b04ec761173cfb6509e0f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator"},"description":"I'm a mom of four, a Certified Parent Educator, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. I believe if you want a loving parent-child relationship that will last into the teenage years and beyond, the time for nurturing that kind of relationship is now. The good news? All you need is 10 minutes a day. Start here \u00bb","sameAs":["https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/about\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/happyyouhappyfamily","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kellyjholmes\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/kellyjholmes\/"]}]}},"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":4511,"label":"Family Bonding"},{"value":23,"label":"Printables"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/children-hugging-feature.jpg",740,480,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator","author_link":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/author\/kel\/"},"comment_info":8,"category_info":[{"term_id":4511,"name":"Family Bonding","slug":"family-bonding","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":4511,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":28,"count":25,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":4511,"category_count":25,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Family Bonding","category_nicename":"family-bonding","category_parent":28},{"term_id":23,"name":"Printables","slug":"printables","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":25,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":55,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":23,"category_count":55,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Printables","category_nicename":"printables","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}