Observed annually on the third Monday of every July, Global Hug Your Kids Day is a holiday that encourages people to reinforce the bond between them and their children by giving them a hug. We all live busy lives with work, school, after-school activities, and other obligations that tax the amount of time we have available for our kids.

That’s why it’s important for parents to set aside a little bit of time each day to spend with their children. This holiday serves as a good reminder for all parents to do just that by encouraging them to reach out and give their children a hug.

The History of Global Hug Your Kids Day

Global Hug Your Kids Day was originally created by Michelle Nichols in 2008, approximately 10 years after her son Mark passed away at the age of 8 years old. Mark developed brain cancer and succumbed to it after a long battle.

Nichols created this holiday to remind moms and dads that the time they have with their children is precious, and they need to show their kids affection every single day—not just on this holiday but every day of the year. It’s important because none of us know how much time we have with each other.

Some Surprising Facts About Hugs

Below are just a few facts that we’ve learned about hugging while exploring this holiday. We hope that these factoids prove to be not only informative but also entertaining.

• Hugging reduces stress and lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Hugging also releases oxytocin, a hormone that boosts our immune system and decreases pain levels.
• Hugging is a great way to resolve conflicts between you and your spouse.
• Children who are hugged regularly meet their physical, emotional, and mental milestones quicker than children who aren’t hugged.

Observing Global Hug Your Kids Day

The first priority for any parent observing this holiday is to spend time with their children. This includes playing with them, reading to them, and, of course, giving them a big hug. It’s also a good day for people to enjoy activities with their entire family. Picnics, barbecues, and other family outings are great ways to spend this July day.

No matter what people do, however, they should take a moment out of their time to spread the word about this holiday to encourage other parents to hug their children as much as possible. Spreading the word about this holiday can easily be done using the hashtag #GlobalHugYourKidsDay on social media.