In
a society that tends to follow the pattern of “fix it if it’s broken/
leave it if it’s not” we often miss out on the value of compassionate touch
in our daily lives. Within the pages of previous issues, we’ve explored many
reasons why mindful expressions of touch should be included in our dayto-day interactions, and also how touch can benefit our overall health
and wellbeing.
Many of our articles have focused
on the use of touch within the adult
population, often with an emphasis
on
therapeutic
application.
important as they move beyond
the stages of infancy and toddlerhood, and begin to develop more
refined physical literacy, become
“The obvious yet often underHowever, there are many other
considerations we need to make,
while on the journey toward a
deeper understanding the value
less dependent on adults for
physical assistance, and forge their
own independence.
The obvious yet often under-
emphasized truth is that even
of touch. One of these important
areas to explore, is the impact of
touch on our younger population -
emphasized truth is that even as
they grow, children still need touch!
It is an important aspect of
as they grow, children still need
our youth, our children, our babies.
Living in the modern world that
depends so heavily on technology
communication that is often
missing from the interaction
between adults and children, and
for communication, entertainment,
and education, it is vitally important
that we also find effective and
appropriate ways to integrate
positive physical interaction into the
nurturing and development of the
children around us. This is especially
amongst children themselves.
Sensory stimulation is a vital part
of childhood development and
discovery. Touch is one of the key
ways that young children learn
about the environment around
them, and make decisions as to
touch...”