Giving Affection to Children: Why Tenderness Is Important
For healthy development, children need one thing above all: lots of love. Especially in the first years of life, little ones rely on warmth and security. When we give children affection, it has positive effects on various levels. Did you know, for example, that cuddling keeps you healthy and impacts later personality development? So if we cuddle with the little ones before bedtime, it’s not only good for the parent-child bond but also promotes development. Why tenderness is so important and how mom and dad can properly show their love is summarized in this article.
Cuddling makes you happy and healthy
Regular cuddling is vital for newborns. When we give our children affection, the body releases the happiness hormone oxytocin. This, in turn, strengthens the immune and defense systems. The result: children who experience more tenderness are not only happier but also less often sick. This doesn’t mean parents have to cuddle with their children for hours. A quick kiss on the forehead or a goodnight hug doesn’t take long and can also contribute.
Giving children affection for healthy self-confidence
Cuddling can boost self-confidence. Especially in young years, there are many moments when little ones still feel insecure. Even the darkness in the children’s room or the witch from the last kids’ show can cause a brief moment of fright. While this is no cause for concern, parents should still take this insecurity seriously. Children who are allowed to seek comfort in the arms of adults during weak moments experience love and security. This, in turn, strengthens self-confidence. It doesn’t matter which person the children seek comfort from—whether mom, dad, grandma, or uncle is secondary. What matters is that the child feels they are not alone with their problems.
Love and security shape strong personalities
Enough tenderness also affects later personality development. When we give children affection, they grow into empathetic and compassionate people. This is mainly because the child develops a strong sense of belonging. Children learn the feeling of being able to rely on others. They benefit from this even in adulthood: people who experienced a lot of security in their early years can also better show their love later on.
How children feel their parents’ love
There are many ways parents can convey their love. It is important to find a healthy balance. Especially with defiant children, mom and dad can be unsure: should they offer comfort or resort to necessary disciplinary measures? Here are some helpful thoughts:
Newborns rely on physical contact
Especially in the first months of life, sufficient security must not be neglected. Parents should not let the little ones cry for too long. When mom and dad give children affection, they feel loved and have their first positive experiences with their environment.
Between defiance and respect
As motor skills develop, little ones increasingly assert their own will. Now defiance is inevitable. It is important that parents respect the child’s wishes. This does not mean letting the child get away with everything. A healthy balance is key here.
Enough support in school and kindergarten age
The older the children get, the more important it is to support them. Whether at school or kindergarten—sooner or later, there will be small mistakes or setbacks. Parents can give children affection by standing behind them and regularly encouraging them.
howa: Tipi and play tent for wonderful cuddling moments
The family business howa creates the perfect atmosphere for cuddling. From tipis to play tents to canopies: the howa tents are ideal for snuggling up and retreating. Cozy moments are enjoyed not only by children but also by adults. In their own little world, children can slip into new roles and have the perfect retreat for this. In the children’s room, the lovingly designed play tents quickly become the new favorite spot for little robbers and princesses.
