Count on This! The 6-Second Hug
Hugs that last six seconds or more are best for soothing our minds and calming our bodies… helpful for adults and children alike!
Hugs can help and hugs can heal! Safe, nurturing touch is key to children’s healthy development, and The Count and Countess are here to demonstrate “hug power”!
A big hug is often the first way we comfort or soothe a child who’s feeling nervous, sad, angry, or scared… and, of course, they can be equally appropriate and natural in moments of joy and celebration! But no matter what we’re feeling, did you know we get the maximum benefit from hugs when they last six seconds or more? That’s how long it takes for oxytocin—a hormone that boosts positive feelings—to “kick in,” calming our nervous system and improving our mood.
This is a great opportunity to talk together about the importance of safe touch. Together, name some safe, trusted adults in your child’s life, and remind your child that hugs of any length should only happen with people they know and trust. Tell children that it’s okay to say no to hugs (or any touch) if they don’t want to be touched. And we don’t always need another person to help us feel the benefits of hugs—check out and share this video about self-hugs!
Watch this video with children, then try it yourselves—share a six-second (or more) hug to soothe body, mind, and spirit. Notice how you feel before, during, and after the hug!
Comfort Container
Help children take a quiet moment alone and soothe themselves.
A Good Friend to Myself
Self-compassion matters… children should be as kind to themselves as they are to others!
Gratitude Jar
Highlight the power of gratitude! In tough times, help children pause, notice, and savor the feelings that the good things in our lives bring.
Helped, Heard, or Hugged?
There are so many ways to support a child in distress. You can give children a sense of control by offering three ways you may be able to help… and letting them choose.
Teaching My Brain
Compassionate self-talk can turn difficult moments around.
Mental Health Resource and Support List for Parents
If you’re concerned about—or considering seeking professional support for—your child’s emotional well-being, there are lots of resources just for you.
From Attention to Connection: Responding to Challenging Behavior in Caring Ways
In this webinar, you’ll learn strategies to help you support young children facing emotional challenges.
