Global Hug Your Children Day is observed annually on the third Monday of July, or July 17 this year. The holiday honours the relationship between parents and offspring. The purpose of this day is straightforward: express your love for your offspring through hugs. The straightforward act of hugging conveys comfort, safety, and trust. Everyone could use a hug, particularly infants. And when you embrace your children, you will realise that it makes you joyful as well. Bear hugs are a natural expression of affection and a tension reliever; hug your children today.
The background of Global Hug Your Kids Day
In 2008, Michelle Nichols founded the Global Hug Your Children Day. This was a decade after her eight-year-old son Mark passed away from brain cancer. Nichols began observing the day as a reminder to parents, particularly those who spend long hours at work and are frequently absent, to show affection for their children by embracing them.
Hugging is arguably as old as humanity itself. It is practised by nearly all cultures as a nonverbal expression of affection and empathy. Hugs can convey a variety of messages, including a salutation or farewell, sympathy or congratulations, as well as appreciation, support, and affection. The word ‘hug’ may have originated from the Old Norse verb ‘hugga,’ which means ‘to console.’ In the early 17th century, the term ‘hug’ was utilised to designate a wrestling hold. In the 1650s, the present definition of the word emerged.
Hugging is also beneficial to your health. It causes the release of the hormone oxytocin into the circulation. The pituitary gland produces oxytocin, which helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, hugging can reduce anxiety, enhance mood and memory, and strengthen bonds and closeness. According to studies, people who embrace frequently tend to have greater empathy for others. Hugging a child can increase their oxygen levels, calm their breathing, and alleviate their suffering. It may also promote brain development and reduce the likelihood of infection and other ailments, such as hypoglycemia and hypothermia.
National Wedding Invitation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
National D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
GLOBAL HUG YOUR KIDS DAY ACTIVITIES
Embrace them
That is the logical thing to do on International Hug Your Children Day! Today, wake your children with an embrace and give them a few extra hugs.
Read the book by Michelle Nicols
Try to locate and read the book “Hug Your Kids Today!” by Michelle Nichols. Five Essential Lessons for Parents.” In this work, the author reflects on the ten years since the death of her son.
Hug a dearly-held
If you do not have children, you can even embrace your parents or your acquaintances. You might even want to astonish your nieces and nephews with a warm embrace.
5 facts about hugging that will astound you
Hugging is one of the most essential stimuli for brain development.
Existential fears are considerably reduced by hugs, according to research.
Hugging alleviates tension and teaches children to manage it as adults.
The majority of individuals lead with their right arm when initiating an embrace.
Oxytocin promotes optimistic thinking and a positive outlook on the world.
GLOBAL HUG YOUR KIDS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 18 | Monday |
| 2023 | July 17 | Monday |
