[jalapeno]

Originally Posted by Betelnut

It has been shown that, statistically, parents tend to hug their sons less as they get older. How can that be a good thing?

Very sad.

My older DS is VERY snuggly and frequently asks to be held. I did wonder when he was younger if maybe we "babied" him to much. He seemed to take forever to start crawling and forever to start walking. But looking back I really think that was just his timetable. If anything, I think those extra snuggles and hugs may have helped to keep him on track developmentally. It's easier to see that now that he's older. He's actually quite an explorer. He'll wander much farther than my other kids if I let him. And I like to think part of that is because he feels he's got a secure "home base" to come back to.

I suppose my younger DS is more independent. Certainly he's more physically difficult to hold as he's bigger and stronger. And he often will fight me if he's not in the mood to be held. But even when he won't let me actually hold him, I'll still sneak in those gentle touches and words. And there are times when he absolutely needs those cuddles. This morning he woke up early and started crying. I went to get him to rock him for a bit. He initially really fought to be put down. But I sung to him and held him as gently as I could. Before long he was back asleep with his arms around me. That's what he wanted and needed - he just didn't necessarily know it.

Anyway, I hope all the little boys (and girls) out there get the hugs they need today . . .