10 reasons to hug your grandchild

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?

Hug-ease for boys

Hugging our favorite boys is one of the highlights for PawDad, Aunt B, Aunt Andie and myself each time we have the pleasure of seeing Bubby and Baby Mac.

When they visited last month, the hugging went far beyond just our little clan, though, as the boys were blessed with abundant squeezes from extended family and more.

Bubby and Baby Mac appreciated—or, in some cases, at least endured out of obligation—the hugs from each and every hugger. It was pretty darn clear, though, that Great Aunt Debbie was their favorite hugger of all, the one with whom they were most at ease:

While I don't like to play favorites in any way, I must agree with their assessment: My sister Debbie is indeed one of the very best huggers around.

Today's question:

If you could hug only one person today, who is most in need of your hug?