Adventures in Parenting

A big bear hug… doesn’t it feel good to give and receive one?

A baby is often held and hugged, but we forget that people of any age, especially our teenagers, and including ourselves, can use a big bear hug at just about anytime.

A hug solves many-a-problem in family relationships:

• When your child comes home with a bad grade, don’t lecture or chastise. Give a big bear hug.
• When your teen won’t get off the computer, don’t scream at him for the hundredth time. Give him a big bear hug.
• When you’re tired of cleaning up yet another vomit on the bed, don’t growl at the baby. Give him a big bear hug.
• When your teen comes home from school, don’t ask about how her day was. Give her a big bear hug.
• When your child starts whining for an expensive toy, don’t put earplugs in your ears. Give him a big bear hug.
• When your teen comes home late at night and you’ve been worried, don’t start yelling at him. Give him a big bear hug.
• When you are dead tired at the end of the day, don’t flop onto the bed. Give each of your children and your husband a big bear hug first.

You’ll be surprised at what a big bear hug can do:

• It opens up the doors of communication.
• It affirms love and acceptance.
• It builds self-esteem.
• It bridges generation gaps.
• It heads off potential conflicts.
• It makes people less defensive.
• It shows kindness and compassion.
• It demonstrates respect and value.
• It sets an example of patience and tolerance.
• It rejuvenates your day.
• It makes being a parent all
  worthwhile.

Can you believe that a big bear hug can do all that? Try it and find out for yourself. I’ve experienced all that and more…all without a word!

Photo by Barefoot in Florida