It is amazing how simple things have such an impact.

When I do activities with students which involve listing the things that make them feel secure, they always come up with the importance of a hug from their parents. Giving your child a hug is a very physical way of saying how I value you and that you are important to me. They also express feelings of joy and pride.

It is clear that a hug can sometimes express a feeling better than words as it involves a sense of connecting in a special way. Children will quite often mention the concept of hugs from their parents in their writings.

Every parent expresses their relationships with their child differently. Sometimes this is due to personality issues or perhaps an understanding of how they themselves were reared. Some parents are more demonstrative and others more reserved. There is no right or wrong way.

It is just worth reflecting on the fact that children value hugs as a sign of being loved. They often tell me that a hug goes a long way in feeling less anxious.