Cuddling is okay!

Sometimes I wonder about all those scientific studies out there, and their usefulness to society in general. I mean, really, did we need several studies to tell us distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision? That texting while driving is one form of distraction? Funnily enough, there's no study that indicates crying/bickering/whining children in the backseat are a form of distraction. Or there's a study out there that suggests exercise is key to maintaining good health. Or having more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day could be a sign of alcoholism.
But now, there's a study that says it's okay to cuddle your baby, but it's encouraged. Really? I thought it was part of parenthood. Oh sure, there's the old wives' tale that too much cuddling will result in a spoiled baby. Another variation is that it's okay to provide unlimited amounts of cuddling when the baby is under 6 months of age, but after that, too much affection will mean spoiled brat. Whatever.
There's not enough cuddling going on in this world. One simply needs to open a newspaper, or a news website, to read about the ginormous number of children in our world who have been abandoned, neglected, orphaned because of factors beyond their control. Maybe their parents were killed in a natural disaster or a civil uprising. Maybe their parents were unfit so their custodial rights were terminated. Maybe their families could no longer care for them. Or sadly, maybe these children were never wanted. There are so many children who cannot have a cuddle no matter how much they need one. And yet, our own children are within arm's reach. Why do we need a scientific study that justifies our desire to hug and kiss our children? Why do we need to be informed that babies who were cuddled within an inch of their lives grew up to be less anxious as adults? Why do we need permission, per se, to shower our children with affection?
We should rejoice in our ability to cuddle our offspring. We should revel in each and every gentle caress and ticklish kiss. We should celebrate every minute that we have by indulging in a long hug. Soon, there will come a time when our children will shy away from such overt displays of affection. So, now is the time to touch our kids with love and adoration. Soon, it won't be cool to give Mom and Dad a kiss good bye. And while we're cuddling our monkeys, spare a thought to the many children who have no one to cuddle. And send a prayer of thanks to the countless individuals who try in small ways to bring some happiness and affection to a child's life. I read this story on The Toronto Star website about an orphanage that serves abandoned but not unloved children. Enjoy nd be inspired.