Published: July 10, 2020
The first day of school can be an emotional rollercoaster for both parents and children. However, one mother has developed an ingenious method to ease the anxiety experienced by little ones: the ‘hug button.’ This creative idea is not only heartwarming but also remarkably simple.
Last week, UK-based mom Sarah Thompson shared her experience on social media, revealing a charming story behind this comforting concept. After a few trial mornings of acclimatization, her youngest child, four-year-old Oliver, was about to face his first full day of school, and he was understandably apprehensive.
“I could sense that he was feeling a bit overwhelmed,” Sarah explained. “So, we had a conversation and decided to create a ‘hug button’ for each of us. If we pressed it, it would send a virtual hug to the other person.” She noted that Oliver had mentioned crying during his first half-day because he missed her.
To create the ‘hug button,’ Sarah simply drew hearts on their hands using a pen. She also made sure to draw an extra heart on Oliver’s arm, just in case the one on his hand faded. They “charged” their buttons by holding hands on the way to school. When she picked him up later, she asked if he received her hugs, to which he happily replied, “Yes! I pressed it for a long time, mommy, but I didn’t cry.”
This touching idea quickly gained traction when Sarah shared it with the parenting community on a popular Facebook page. The editor of the group, Jessica Collins, noted that many parents were discussing the challenges their children faced while adjusting to school. “When Sarah posted her photo of the hug buttons, we were all enamored by the sweetness of it,” she said.
Before long, other parents in the community began adopting the idea for their own kids. “Numerous moms reported that the hug buttons helped their children cope with the transition to school,” Jessica added. “It’s such a simple yet effective way to provide comfort and assurance.” All it requires is a pen, two hands, and a whole lot of love.
This clever method proves that maintaining a connection with your child, even when they’re at school, doesn’t need to be complicated. I used to give my children “hand hugs” during their early years so they could carry a piece of me with them throughout their day. A friend of mine has matching charms that she and her daughter wear, allowing them to feel close despite being apart. Moms truly are resourceful when it comes to soothing their kids.
As for Sarah, she was relieved and delighted to see her little strategy ease Oliver’s first-day jitters. Now, she can enjoy some well-deserved time alone. Well, that is, once she stops shedding tears over her youngest starting school. “Bless him, here’s to many more joyful days ahead while I sit at home with the dog and reminisce about my babies being little.”
In conclusion, the ‘hug button’ is a brilliant way to help ease children’s anxiety about starting school, showcasing the power of simple, heartfelt gestures.
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