by katiem2
I’m a freelance writer who’s forever observing my surroundings with a writer’s eye. Where there’s a story to be told, I tell it like it is.
Being a freelance writer allows me to determine my own schedule. One of the many things I include is driving my two daughters everywhere. I take them to school mornings and pick them up after, plus to and fro after school activities. I observe some very interesting behavior at both my daughter’s middle and high schools.
The expression of love and affection is an ongoing occurrence on school grounds. Anytime I’m dropping off or picking up my kids there is a lot of PDA or public display of affection taking place and all in broad open day light. It seems to go unnoticed by all adults and teachers oh but this keen and observant writer is constantly taking mental notes.
I’ve spent some time wondering from what need this ritual has developed. Human touch is needed to maintain a healthy mental and physical well being. As parents we could learn something from this remembering to hug each other often improving the health and well being of the entire family.
I’ve been observing this phenomenon for several years. I am now prepared to deliver my findings.
No matter how tired a lifeless and sleepy teen is in the morning, the minute they meet each other they run eagerly to embrace.
Girls go about hugging each other and boys as well. It’s as if old friends have been reunited after a long separation.
Over time I've observed many types of hugs to which I offer the following description.
Hugs
The friends hug, which is quick and mostly upper body including a few pats on the back.
The excited bouncy dancing around hug, this is a perky girl to girl hug.
The full body press, which is a tight and long hug going on for upwards of five minutes.
Extended full body hug which includes kisses and hands embraced and entwined.
The full body press including a sneak kiss here and there full on lips.
Group hugs are formed from this and on and on the hugging goes. It's a common as saying hi to someone you know. The hugging dynamics are far reaching and yet never involve adults.
I love you is often heard being yelled across parking lots and the school grounds as both boys and girls call out repeatedly till the other yells, “I love you” back.
On any given day one child will hug upwards of 22 kids per morning drop off or afternoon release. It seems our youth embrace the message of love, peace and harmony!
Hugs make us feel good having a positive and measurable effect on a child’s development and IQ. We continue to learn more about the positive effects of touch and yet do we take the time to hug our kids on a daily basis?
There seems to be some kind of language to this hugging ritual a knowing that everyone needs a little TLC. Often a boy and or a girl will move about hugging others as if to include everyone.
As adults we may forget about it or think our kids reach a level of maturity no longer requiring hugs.
The facts are kids, tweens and teens need this human contact and all humans alike never out grow this need.
What’s in a Hug?
Helps to rid feelings of loneliness
Helps overcome fears, doubt and insecurities.
Helps build self-esteem and acceptance.
Relaxes and relieves stress.
Is a great alternative to promiscuity?
Helps people feel a sense of belonging
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It seems our kids are onto the facts, hugging is good as they self medicated with a good thing all the while building strong mental health. We can learn a lot from our kids.
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Your thoughts on PDA or Hugging in Schools