I have always found listening to Cleo Laine singing the evocative song 'Sometimes when we touch' thought-provoking. It is even more so in the current climate.
The sensuality of touch has been degraded to such an extent that parents and carers with young children struggle to know what is acceptable. This is a very British hang-up and a great loss to our children. Can you imagine an Italian or an American mother being worried about hugging her child in public?
In my visit to a Steiner School in Germany I met Hans, a demanding four-year-old who wanted constant adult attention. The session in which we modelled with beeswax provided an opportunity to rub oil on to the children's hands to make the wax more pliable. A chance reaction from Hans established that he liked having his hands stroked in this way. There was instant calm from his frenetic activity earlier in the day. The kindergarten teacher was amazed at this reaction.
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