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?