HUGS BUILD BRAINS | When babies are born, touch is the first sense to come online. This is why skin-to-skin contact is so important at birth. Physical touch helps infants regulate temperature, heart rate, and stress hormones. But, how does caring, compassionate touch help children as they grow?
- Nurturing touch provides the stimulation growing brains need for normal brain development
- Kids need hugs to be healthy. Hugs trigger the release of oxytocin, which also triggers the release of growth hormones in the body.
- Hugs can help buffer the affects of the stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline that are released during times of stress. Too many stress hormones cause disruptions in the body and brain, which can have long-term effects on mental and physical health into adulthood.
- Hugs help you bond. In addition to helping kids calm down, nurturing touch is a reminder to them of your commitment to them and care for them. The bond you share will help you both weather the stress of everyday life!
Learn more about how to Maximize Love, Manage Stress with your preschool children!
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