#14 ‘Reward them and yourself with a hug daily whether they want one or not’ may be falling short of what is really needed in view the problem discussed in the article by Genevra Pittman entitled ‘Therapy Helps Relieve Stomach Aches for Some Kids’ . The study was done on children ages 7 to 18. Have a look at the article and what was observed.

In my opinion, more hugs and cuddles are what’s needed. If talk therapy is working after the fact then regular talk and hug sessions with the parents can be the ‘preventative measure’. Unexplained stomach pain could be signaling problems with being bullied or issues with making a good impression, acute shyness, difficulty with wanting to fit in with the cool kids and/or emotional neglect at home. Talk and hug it out regularly.

I know teenagers can be resistant to these sessions but gentle insistance from the parents makes it ok. If you’ve not been that kind of parent so far, ease into it. You both need to get used to it. BTW, electronics have no place in these sessions. Organic material only. They can be for 5 minutes or 50, just depends on the circumstances.

And, of course, my cure all, meditation. Meditation actually heals our bodies as well as our emotions when focused that way. Of all things we teach our children, meditation will carry them (and us) through many a difficulty.

Unexplained stomach aches must be something new. I don’t recall it being an issue when I was coming up. Neither my son nor his friends had this problem. Well, can’t be that sure about his friends but the Moms I spoke with did not mention this particular issue. I wonder how much of this is borne from the technological age. We NEED to ‘see’ each other, not have our heads buried in gadgets all the time.

How do you make sure the hugs and conversations are happening consistently with your children?