HUG YOUR KID DAY

By Diane Forrest

Last week was Make a difference to a Child Day.  We talked about spending time with your child and the activities you can do with your child.  Being a young parent can be very stressful.  You have long hours of working, not enough time to spend with family or friends, and lists of chores to get done.  It feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to get all you want to get done.  Sometimes in all the hustle and bustle of daily life, kids can be pushed back, placed on the back burner.  These are the times that we as parents need to stop, take a breath, and grab our children and hold them tight. They need to know that no matter what else is going on around them, there is nothing more important to you than them.  It doesn't take long to give your child a hug, kiss them and tell them you love them.  All too quickly they grow up into the dreaded teenagers, who don't want to be seen with you.  My baby will be 26 this year.  I don't get to see him often; he lives in a different city.  He was home last month, and when I saw him I gave him a hug.  No longer is he the sweet little boy I used to pick up and hold, but he is now a man twice my size who’s hugs squeeze the life out of me. But there is no better feeling than the hug from your child.

Today is Global Hug your Kid Day and was founded in 2008 by Michelle Nichols, a 25-year sales veteran and longtime Business Week columnist whose son, Mark, died suddenly at 8 1/2 years old from brain cancer in 1998.  This made me think of another family who recently lost their 15-year-old son to pancreatic cancer, and countless other parents who have lost children due to diseases or accidents.  I was reading about a sweet little 4-year-old boy who was helping his father at work, taking pictures in a cemetery, when a tombstone fell on him and crushed him. These parents will never have the opportunity to hug their children again, so don't waste another minute giving your child or children hugs. If you don't have any children, hug your brother, sister, grandchild, niece or nephew, any child.  I would be wary of hugging stranger's children though, they may think you are a creeper and hit you over the head with an umbrella.  But today, and every day, never passes up an opportunity to hug your child.  Hugs are free, but they last a lifetime.

(Photos from Google) 

National Cuddle up Day 2013

(Google Image)

By Diane Forrest

"First we'll make snow angels for a two hours, then we'll go ice skating, then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we'll snuggle."  Buddy the Elf.

(Google Image)

I routinely check Yahoo's home page for news and story updates.  During the Christmas season there were several articles on gifts to buy, gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for your parents, and what not to buy.  I liked to check out these lists to get any ideas, but usually, I never saw anything that caught my eye.  There was one item, on the things NOT to buy list that had many comments listed in the comment section.  It was a boyfriend pillow, seen pictured above.  Many found it to be something they would like to have, especially on those cold lonely nights.

Today is National Cuddle up Day.  Cuddling is one of the best feelings I have ever had. I love to feel strong arms around me making me feel safe and warm.  But, if you don’t have someone there to cuddle with, there is still nothing to stop you from cuddling.

Here are some tips for you:

Cuddling up in your easy chair is a great idea.

Cuddling up to a pet is rewarding.

Cuddling up to a stuffed animal is quite secure and comforting.

Cuddling up with a good book is enjoyable.

Cuddling up by the fireside is warm and cozy.

If you do have someone close by, grab them and hold on tight, throw a warm soft blanket over you, watch a good movie and cuddle and snuggle all night long.

Global Hug your Kid Day

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

When is the last time you went to a family reunion, or visited an elderly family member?  You will probably hear them tell you how much you have grown since they saw you last, hear phrases like...I remember when I used to change your diapers, or last time I saw you, you were no bigger than a minute. 

(Google Image) 

For those family members you don't get to see frequently, time passes quickly.  One minute you are newborn, the next you are beginning school. Before you know it you are driving, in high school, getting married, then having children of your own.  Being a young parent can be very stressful.  You have long hours of working, not enough time to spend with family or friends, and lists of chores to get done.  It feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to get all you want to get done.  Sometimes in all the hustle and bustle of daily life, kids can be pushed back, placed on the back burner.  These are the times that we as parents need to stop, take a breath, and grab our children and hold them tight. They need to know that no matter what else is going on around them, there is nothing more important to you than them.  It doesn't take long to give your child a hug, kiss them and tell them you love them.  All too quickly they grow up into the dreaded teenagers, who don't want to be seen with you. 

(Google Image) 

My baby will be 25 this year.  I don't get to see him often; he lives in a different city.  He was home during the 4th of July, and when I saw him I gave him a hug.  No longer is he the sweet little boy I used to pick up and hold, but he is now a man twice my size who’s hugs squeezes the life out of me. But there is no better feeling than the hug from your child.

(Google Image) 

Today is Global Hug your Kid Day.  Global Hug Your Kids Day was founded in 2008 by Michelle Nichols, a 25-year sales veteran and longtime Business Week columnist. Her son, Mark, died suddenly at 8 1/2 years old from brain cancer in 1998.  This made me think of another family who recently lost their 15 year old son to pancreatic cancer, and counties other parents who have lost children due to diseases or accidents. 

(Google Image) 

I was reading about a sweet little 4 year old boy who was helping his father at work, taking pictures in a cemetery, when a tombstone fell on him and crushed him. These parents will never have the opportunity to hug their children again, so don't waste another minute giving your child or children hugs. If you don't have any children, hug your brother, sister, grandchild, niece or nephew, any child.  I would be wary of hugging stranger's children though, they may think you are a creeper and hit you over the head with an umbrella.  But today, and every day, never pass up an opportunity to hug your child. 

(Google Image) 

Hugs are free, but they last a lifetime.