Hugging and physical touch

Henry Maier

Have you hugged a child today? If “Yes", good for you and the recipient! If “No", do it soon; a long day is still ahead of you.

During the past years an undesirable practice has snuck in. Workers tend to ask a child, “May I touch you?" Nonsense! Asking that question implies that the worker is apt to be dangerous, possibly lecherous. This question was based on bureaucratic concerns intended to ward off legal actions, when in essence it reflects a lack of trust in the workers' natural and desirable humanness. Actually, touch is neither good nor bad. It's merely a human form of normal personal interaction. Let's enrich our work with its human qualities.

The poem below highlights it very clearly.

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Practice Hugging ...*

Kathleen Keating

HUGGING IS HEALTHY, it helps the body's immune system,
It keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress,
It induces sleep, it’s invigorating, it’s rejuvenating,
It has no unpleasant side effects and
HUGGING IS NOTHING LESS THAN A MIRACLE DRUG.

HUGGING IS NATURAL, it is organic, naturally sweet,
No pesticides, no artificial ingredients and is 100% wholesome.

HUGGING IS PRACTICALLY PERFECT,
there are no movable parts,
No batteries to wear out, no periodic checkups,
Low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation-proof,
Non-fattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements,
Of course – FULLY RETURNABLE.

At the end of a tiring and difficult day
When very little seemed to go my way -
I need a hug.
When I feel confused and life’s a dream,
When I’m stupid you know what I mean,
I need a hug.
When I am all smiles and life’s a song,
When everything’s right and nothing is wrong.
I NEED A HUG.

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To the reader, mentally a warm hug!

* From South Africa's Child and Youth Care Journal, Vol.19 No.8, August 2001, p. 20