The instant my three daughters were placed on my chest after birth, an overwhelming urge to keep them close surged through me. I yearned to snuggle them tightly, even as fatigue and physical discomfort weighed me down. There were countless days when the emotional strain of new motherhood left me in tears, yet I still craved the warmth of my babies nestled against me.
When my first daughter entered the world 15 years ago, practices like co-sleeping, on-demand nursing, and constant baby-holding were often viewed with skepticism by the previous generation. Although I relied mostly on instinct during those early months, I too found myself questioning these approaches. But motherhood can feel strange in many ways, so I chose to follow my heart. I comforted my baby when she cried, kept her near for nighttime feedings, and honestly, it was just simpler to have her close than constantly placing her down and picking her back up. When I reached my limit, my husband eagerly took over, always ready to hold her.
Despite common misconceptions, showering a child with love—both physical and emotional—is never excessive. It doesn’t spoil them or lead to entitlement. Cuddling, comforting, and showering them with affection are essential for their emotional security. Young children rely on us to soothe them, help them drift off to sleep, and understand their place in the world. Keeping our little ones close not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also supports healthy brain development.
Recent studies reveal that increased physical affection can boost cognitive growth in children. According to research conducted at the Center for Perinatal Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the more we cuddle our children, the more their brains develop. In a survey of 125 infants, researchers discovered that positive physical experiences like skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding elicited stronger brain responses. Conversely, negative interactions resulted in diminished responses. Even though preterm infants showed less reaction to gentle touch compared to full-term babies, increased holding led to improved brain responses.
So, how does this research link to increased intelligence? When babies are born, their brains are still maturing. Positive experiences significantly influence brain growth. For newborns, touch is their primary means of exploring the world. Cuddling, hugging, and rocking stimulate the development of their sensory systems, which encompass touch, pressure, pain, vibration, and movement. A well-developed sensory system lays the groundwork for successful cognitive, perceptual, and social development as children grow.
Now that my youngest is 6, she remains a snuggler. I cherish curling up with her in bed or lounging on the kitchen floor while she sits in my lap, both of us sharing affection with our dog. With a tween and a teen in the house, I realize these moments won’t last forever, so I savor every second.
Luckily for my daughters, I’m the type of mom who never hesitates to offer a hug, even amid eye rolls from my teenagers. They may act indifferent, but deep down, I know they appreciate those moments of closeness. After all, don’t we all—children and adults alike? I’ve made it clear that my hugging spree won’t stop anytime soon. I’ve even uncovered some science that suggests my affectionate actions might enhance their cognitive abilities, despite them no longer being babies. Previously, it was believed that brain development halted around ages 5 or 6. However, recent studies indicate that children experience another growth spurt during puberty. This reinforces the idea that I should continue showering them with love to ensure they reach their full intellectual potential.
Parenting is undoubtedly a challenge that we navigate in real-time. We read books, consult friends, and scour the internet for guidance and support. Trusting ourselves to be the best caregivers for our children can be daunting, but often, following our instincts leads to the best outcomes. Science supports the notion that you cannot love or hold your baby too much. Affection is critical, not just for instilling a sense of love and security, but also for fostering their cognitive growth.
So, embrace and hold onto those little ones, and don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise. For more insights, consider checking out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the importance of physical affection in child-rearing cannot be overstated. It plays a pivotal role in fostering emotional security and cognitive development. By embracing our children with love, we create an environment that nurtures their growth and happiness.