10 reasons to hug your grandchild
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 
Have you hugged a grandchild today?
Renowned family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”
Here are 10 reasons why hugs are so important — and why you should share a few with your grandchild today.
TEN:
Hugging makes a child giggle.
NINE:
Hugs make you giggle, too.
EIGHT:
Hugs alleviate tension, show compassion.
SEVEN:
Hugs are an easy way to say “I love you!” without saying a thing.
SIX:
Hugs strengthen social and familial bonds.
FIVE:
Hugs lower the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the "feel good" chemicals serotonin and dopamine.
FOUR :
Hugs are free and require no special equipment.
THREE:
Hugs increase self-esteem and feelings of acceptance.
TWO:
Hugs are linked to lowering heart disease, according to studies, and it’s never too early to start heart-healthy, preventive measures.
And the NUMBER ONE reason to hug your grandchild:
Because it feels so darn good — to you and your grandchild!
Ultimately, though, do we really need a reason to hug our grandchildren?
I don't think so.
Today's question:
When did you last hug a child?
Reader Comments (14)
This past Wednesday. I'm overdue!
Friday and I am also WAY overdue!
Lots of hugging on Sunday when we had a family dinner. My two youngest granddaughters, who are 5 and 4, are very big on hugging.....each other and everyone else.
I'm hugging mine now!
I last hugged a child on 2/26/2013 at 9 am when my son in law dropped my husband and I off at the Portland airport. I gave my 2 year old granddaughter Claire one last hug (and a lipstick kiss on her forehead) before we left for home in Minneapolis. It was a long one. I won't see her again until probably August.
NonnieKelly and Kc: You're so lucky! Though I'm sure a few days can feel like a few months when you're used to mere hours in between hugs.
Jeanie: Hugs from four- and five-year-old little girls are some of the best hugs ever! Sweet of them to share with everyone!
Pammeey: Awww...! And you have lots of years of hugging ahead of you, from him and then from the little ones he has to share with you! "It's only just begun...". :-D
Sue: Oh, I so feel your pain. Those final hugs that must last months are incredibly bittersweet. Good luck getting through til August.
My last hug with a grandchild (both of them, in fact) was in January! I did, though, get to hug my youngest child this past weekend, which I don't get to do very often. ♥
Hugs are the best. I just hugged my infant granddaughter as I rocked her to sleep :)
I have a 17 month old asleep on my shoulder as I type. It was a hug that turned into a nap.
I remember all those good times hugging...all you girls take advantage of them before you get to be great-grandma, like me, and are too far away from little ones to get and give hugs very oftent .The last time for me was at a wedding reception where I held and hugged my 10th great-grand-daughter; that was over two weeks ago.
Ah, families are all so busy these days...and too far away.
I hugged Shylee good-bye last week. We get lots of hugs in when we're together!
I love the picture of you with your grandsons.
I hug my Grandbabies when they arrive, when they depart, and at least a few tines in between :-) I especially love the "Nanny I wanna give you a hug for no reason" hugs!
Holly
To all of you: I'd like to give you all a hug! Thank you for your comments. Enjoy loving on those babies, those of you who are lucky enough to have one or two or more nearby. ♥
About an hour ago, hugged my 3 yr old granddaughter.....hadn't seen her in over a week so it was a blessing to hug and get hugged back! And...before I could even say a word, I heard from those pretty little lips - "I love you, GaGa"...sigh,life is sooo good.
Love this post Lisa, hugs are so good for all concerned.
Lucy gets hugs from me all the time, I love it when first thing in the morning she climbs on my knee & snuggles in, that makes every thing all right in my world.