The moment my three little girls were placed on my chest, an overwhelming desire to keep them close hit me like a tidal wave. I yearned to snuggle them tight, even when my body was crying out for a break. There were days filled with exhaustion and emotional strain that left me in tears, but I still longed for the warmth of their tiny bodies against mine.
When my first daughter entered the world 15 years ago, the concepts of co-sleeping, on-demand nursing, and constant baby-holding seemed foreign to those who raised me. While I was mainly parenting by instinct in those early days, I’ll admit it felt odd at times. But then again, everything about motherhood was new and strange.
So, I went with what felt right. I comforted my baby when she cried, kept her close while nursing at night, and honestly, it was just easier to have her strapped to me rather than constantly putting her down and picking her up. When I hit my limit, my husband would step in, always eager for his chance to hold her.
Contrary to what some may say, there’s no such thing as giving a child too much love, whether it be emotional or physical. Spoiling them is a myth. When we hug, comfort, and shower them with affection, we’re not indulging them; we’re fulfilling their needs. Children need that closeness to learn how to navigate our world, and keeping them close doesn’t just strengthen our bond; it also plays a significant role in their brain development.
Recent studies suggest that the more we cuddle our kids, the more it positively impacts their intelligence. According to research from the Center for Perinatal Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the amount of snuggling directly correlates to brain growth. A survey of 125 babies, both premature and full-term, revealed that positive physical interactions like breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact led to stronger brain responses. Interestingly, while preemies showed a reduced response to gentle touch compared to full-term babies, more holding improved their brain activity.
So how does this relate to brainpower? When babies are born, their brains are still under construction. The more positive experiences they have, the more their brains react and grow. For newborns, touch is their primary way of interacting with the world. Cuddling and rocking enhance their sensory development, which is crucial for their cognitive and social growth.
Now that my youngest is 6, she remains a total snuggler. I cherish those moments, whether we’re curled up in her bed or lounging on the kitchen floor with our dog. With a tween and a teen in the house, I realize these moments are fleeting, and I savor every second.
Lucky for my girls, I’m the mom who always wants to share a hug—even when faced with the eye rolls of teenage angst. They may act like they don’t want it, but deep down, I know they do. I’ve made it clear that my hugging isn’t stopping anytime soon. I even discovered some science that suggests my affectionate ways are likely boosting their intelligence, even as they grow older. It was once believed that brain development halted around ages 5 or 6, but recent findings indicate that puberty triggers another growth spurt in the brain. So, I see no harm in hugging them as much as possible to help them reach their full potential.
Parenting often throws us curveballs. We read, consult with friends, and scour the internet for answers. Trusting our instincts as caregivers isn’t always straightforward, but research backs up the idea that you can’t love or hold your child too much. Affection nurtures not just emotional security but also cognitive development.
So, embrace those little ones and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. For further information on home insemination, check out this resource for even more insights. Also, you might find the tips on boosting fertility helpful, as they offer valuable guidance. And for those on the pregnancy journey, this link provides excellent information.
In summary, the benefits of physical affection in early childhood extend beyond emotional comfort; they contribute significantly to cognitive development. So, cherish those moments of closeness with your children—they’re crucial for their growth.