Cuddle Your Kid!

Oftentimes my husband sends me links to articles he reads that he thinks I would like.
Cuddle Your Kid!

I loved this article. It made me feel less guilty about laying with my son every night before he goes to sleep. Last year, when I was just coming back to work after my maternity leave, I shared with some teachers that I just couldn't let Patrick "cry it out" anymore. My teacher friend looked at me and said, "Don't you see? He misses you during the day, and this is his way of asking you to spend time with him." Hug him, snuggle until both your hearts are content. I think about this wise woman's response to me often, and now pass along the same advice to mothers heading back to work. There is nothing wrong with cuddling our children - especially when we spend so many hours out of the house.

I passed along this article to my mother, who wrote a poem in response. Thanks, Mom for your beautiful words!

Why can’t we do it…cuddle our kids?

Why won’t we consider that this could rid

    us of problems like anger, violence and drugs.

We could raise loving people instead of mean thugs.

The research is telling…

The message is clear.

If we cuddle our kids, we can banish crime and fear.

A little attention can go a long way…

Have you even thought about reading to your child today?

Sit close together and open that book

Ponder questions as you take your first look.

Enjoy the story, talk about the end, spend  time

With your child and he’ll become your friend.

Love is the answer and literacy is the key.

Cuddle your children and a new world we will see!

                                                                --Rita Kenefic