[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
Do you think your child is regressing? You’re not alone
Many parents are noticing their kids slip into old behaviors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Toileting accidents, baby talk, sleep difficulties, refusal to do schoolwork, tantrums, problems managing feelings of anger, sadness, and anxiety. These are some of the increasingly common behaviors among children described by different parents around the world. And they all are signs of regression.
Regression describes when children step back into old behaviors or skills they’ve mastered. It is a normal and natural part of development: kind of a defense mechanism. Children can regress because they’re feeling anxious, unsure, or as a response to a particular stressor – such as a change of school, a new sibling, or a parent’s divorce.
In the current scenario, the stressor is the coronavirus pandemic – a new and unstable situation for both adults and children. The pandemic – and the necessary quarantine measures – has disrupted school, playdates with friends, walks in the park, birthday parties, and other routines. Thus, stress levels have skyrocketed, and many children – and parents – are struggling.
A report from Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills of UK, showed that have regressed in some basic skills and learning. The document also pointed that older children have lost stamina in their reading and writing, some have lost physical fitness, while others show signs of mental distress. Several studies have been assessing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown on the mental health of children and adolescents – the problem is so overwhelming that even Unicef has created a guide to help parents navigate through these rough times.
Red flag
Regression has a variety of forms and aspects. And it’s not limited to early developmental stages. You might have a 4 or 5-year-old child who you have to go back to spoon-feed or a kid who’s 14 or 15 years coming into your bed every night. However, it’s not always something to be overly concerned about. Regression is a signal that your children feel overwhelmed, and they’re showing you because they don’t have the words to tell you. It can be frustrating for parents, but it isn’t permanent: your kids will eventually regain all their lost capacities. But if these changes interfere with the child’s functioning, that’s a red flag, and parents should seek help.
Hard times
These are tough times– both for children and for parents. Pandemic parenting is relentless and challenging. Some ways to cope are setting boundaries – parents should not simply accept behaviors they don’t like. Trying to develop and follow a routine also helps because predictability and consistency make children feel safe. Although these are hard and stressful times, it’s essential to be patient and offer comfort, including physical touches that can help calm and soothe them. Finally, it’s critical to address your mental health: take care of yourself by maintaining expectations for your child’s behavior, which is a form of self-care.
by Chris Bueno
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