03/01/2026
My cat sleeps in bed with me. My cat though doesn’t just choose to be anywhere on the king sized bed, but right up against my knee. If a cat, who has not had a rough day on the playground, been ignored by someone they thought a friend, or struggled to understand today’s math concept, needs physical contact and love, how much more do our kids need that? I can tell you how much of a difference it makes when I walk a student back to my office when I have my arm around their shoulder as opposed to just walking alongside them. I can tell you how much it breaks down the student/staff barrier when I plop myself down next to a student when they are eating their lunch. I can tell you how much a student loved it when they were leaving a field trip and dallying by the vending machines in the restaurant lobby when I snatched them up and carried them on my shoulder out the door. Physical contact is important for my students to know that I care about them, it’s vitally important for your child to know that you do as well. Being in the same room thinking you are ‘present’ with them while watching TV is not enough. Kids don’t just ‘know’ that you love them by your being around. They need that hug, that squeeze, that leaning in. I encourage you to make a conscious effort to show your child that physicality. Don’t think it is enough to spend what you think is quality time; make some time for some physical time, some hugging time. I think you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
