The importance of physical affection for children and adults

Often We underestimate the importance of physical interaction with those we appreciate and love. We assume that physical contact is not necessary, which means that our daily connection with others is reduced to words and eye contact. And we don’t even take full advantage of the physical affection that we could get from it.

Our need to mark and protect our personal boundaries at all costs means that we gradually reduce the amount of physical affection that we show in its minimum expression, what is socially correct, a meaningless custom that increasingly makes us more and more uncomfortable or that leaves us empty due to a lack of authenticity.

By treating physical contact in this way we are forgetting how important it is for the well-being of our physical, emotional and mental health.. Touching another human being allows us to convey important messages that words or actions alone do not show.

Physical affection is not just something for children

In recent decades, much has been said and researched about the importance of physical affection for the physical and emotional growth of babies and children. Various studies and experiences support the theory that Young children need touch and touch to grow and develop healthily.

But the importance of physical affection is not only a vital need for children’s development; It is also important for the adaptation of human beings throughout their lives. Human beings practice what is known as favorable social behavior.

Favorable social behavior is a voluntary action that benefits another person. From an evolutionary point of view, by engaging in acts of trust and cooperation, social groups survive, acting in altruistic ways mutually beneficial to all, thus sowing trust between one another. That is why physical contact is a vital part of this process of favorable social behavior.

Several studies have shown that the need for skin-to-skin contact and warmth can improve weight gain in premature babies and touch can transmit various complex emotions, such as empathy and gratitude.

It has also been shown that The simple act of touching someone improves cognitive and emotional development, including reducing susceptibility to depression or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Being touched with affection can even contribute to a stronger immune system at all ages.

Physical contact with children

Showing physical affection towards your children is something that usually comes from within naturally., especially when the children are young. The defenseless nature of children makes parents and family members elicit the impulse to protect them, to hug them.

It is important to be aware of the times we can have physical contact with children through movements such as holding their hands, stroking their hair, giving them hugs and kisses. This will not spoil the children, no matter how old they may seem to us, but quite the opposite. This intimacy benefits both parties and strengthens the relationship with them.

As time goes by, it is easy to forget the importance and need of these gestures, but children still need this contact. Even if they seem to refuse it, they do appreciate it. Maybe they need it in another way, less childish or less exalted, perhaps in private and not in public view.

Physical contact with your partner and other adults

Physical intimacy with a partner and affection towards family members and close friends is also something we need to be more aware of. It is not only about demonstrating the level of comfort we feel with the people closest to us, but also about conveying emotions that go beyond what can be communicated verbally.

Our sexual health is of utmost importance, but many cultures consider certain types of contact taboo in some. circumstances. Unfortunately, the idea that sexual intercourse and physical connection is something that should only be practiced for the sole purpose of procreation can actually cause dysfunction and harm. This prevents the natural development of sexual desire and the physical need for intimacy.

In this sense, the research shows that Consensual sexual expression between adults has many health benefits. Experiencing sexual pleasure through liberated connection and sharing physical intimacy is important not only for our emotional, psychological and physical development.

Children should not be forced to maintain physical contact

Children should not be forced to hug or kiss anyone, even a relative.. This is how they are taught to maintain their physical property and autonomy, to mark and enforce their limits. In this way we can educate him to form relationships of trust, where physical contact evolves with mutual consent and affection, instead of being something imposed.

If we force a child to kiss or receive kisses that they do not want, we are taking away their weapons to defend themselves against possible sexual abuse by an adult., making him understand that he has to give in and do what the other person asks of him. Additionally, we are teaching him to lie about her feelings and depriving him of the way to express her affection toward others.

Children should learn about their bodies as soon as they have the ability to understand, which is sooner than we adults usually think. We have the obligation and responsibility to teach them physical self-determination, facilitate their physical care, and assist them in their transition to independence. That is why it is crucial to teach them about their bodies, about what is appropriate and inappropriate.

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