Wellbeing Guide 5: The Benefits of Hugs

Childhood is a precious time where the foundations for your child’s learning are laid and important discoveries about themselves and the world around them are made.

That’s why at Bright Horizons, we practise The Nurture Approach; a blend of our research-based holistic learning, alongside our support for children’s emotional wellbeing, all lovingly delivered by the expertise of our dedicated practitioners. And, because we know wellbeing is so important for young children, our Early Childhood Experts have created a series of Wellbeing Guides just for you. Through these guides, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of early childhood development, but benefit from expert advice on raising a happy, confident, and emotionally resilient child!

In this guide, our experts shed light on the benefits of hugs and why, for children, they’re much more than just a loving touch.

What Are the Benefits of Hugs for Children?

Hugging can be a wonderful and natural way of expressing affection for some, while others may find it a little less instinctive. However, beyond expressing affection, research has shown that hugging can also play an important role in children’s development. As your child grows and learns, the simple act of hugging can contribute to their emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Below, we explore seven of the many benefits that hugs can offer your child, showing how this small act can have a big impact on their overall wellbeing.

1. Hugs Release the “Happy Hormone”: When we hug, oxytocin (aka the “happy hormone” or the “cuddle hormone”) is released. This natural chemical promotes positive feelings for both you and your child, making you feel warm and fuzzy inside, as well as more deeply connected.
2. Stress and Anxiety Release: As well as releasing oxytocin, hugs can simultaneously reduce the stress hormone known as cortisol. High levels of cortisol can lead to health issues like chronic stress, anxiety and even things like immune system suppression and cognitive impairment. How wonderful to know that the seemingly simple act of hugging (physical connection and co-regulation) can help to offset cortisol and create a holistically positive state for both you and your child, enhancing your overall wellbeing.
3. Support Children to Regulate Emotions: Learning how to process difficult feelings themselves is a skill that your child will need to practise. This is known as self-regulation, but as this is not a skill they’re born with, your child will need your help, as well as help from other adult caregivers to reach a state of calm together. Hugs can be a great way of showing your support in times of heightened emotions.
4. Helps Minimise Emotional Outbursts: During an emotional outburst or an experience of ‘big’ feelings, a hug can offer your child immediate comfort. It can divert their attention from the trigger and redirect them to the reassurance of your supportive embrace.
5. Improves the Adult and Child Relationship: Hugs can be a special bonding opportunity for you, as a parent, and your child. Regular hugs can create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and feel supported, leading to a more open relationship where your child feels valued and understood. We know that a child who feels valued and understood is a child who’s more confident, resilient and open to new experiences.
6. Enables Children to Feel Loved and Worthy: It’s important that children know they are loved, valued, and are capable, especially by you, their parent or primary caregiver. Hugs can be an excellent way of demonstrating this, reinforcing their importance and worth, nurturing their ability to form healthy relationships and develop a positive self-image.
7. Hugs Help Strengthen the Immune System – The benefits of hugs go beyond your child’s emotional wellbeing. In fact, they can be beneficial for your child’s immune system by boosting the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. This increase in immune function helps to protect your child from common illnesses, keeping them healthier and happier overall.

Now that we know how good hugs are for you child, let’s take a look at some top tips on when and how often to offer them out…

If hugging comes naturally to you, then you’re likely someone who does it often and has an instinctual feeling of when to do so. However, here is a helpful guide on particularly good opportunities for hugging...

• Whenever your child asks for one!
• Morning and night
• Before and after separation
• During emotional moments
• To celebrate achievements (big and small)

Further tips:

• Respect Their Boundaries: Every child is unique, so be mindful of your child's comfort level with physical affection. Some children may not always want a hug, and that's okay. It’s important to respect their boundaries and explore other ways to show affection, like a high-five, fist-bump or a pat on the back.

• Do it with Heart: When hugging, make sure it’s genuine and that you’re fully present in the moment. A warm, sincere embrace can have a much greater impact than a quick, distracted one.
• Teach Consent: As you respect your child’s boundaries for physical affection, encourage them to do the same by teaching them to ask for hugs and to respect others' boundaries too. This helps them understand the importance of consent and further develops their social skills.

Have you missed any of the previous blogs within our Wellbeing Guide?

1. Wellbeing Guide Blog 1: Self-Regulation
2. Wellbeing Guide Blog 2: The Power of Positive Language
3. Wellbeing Guide Blog 3: Name it to Tame it
4. Wellbeing Guide Blog 4: Safe Spaces and Resources

If you enjoyed this article and found it to be useful, you can check out more of our early childcare resources in our Family Resource Zone!

And, if you’re not yet a Bright Horizons parent, but are interested in what our nurseries can offer your child on their exciting educational journey, book a personal tour at your local nursery today!