Happy Days Nursery in Dundee, Scotland, introduced the practice of children giving each other a daily cuddle to help them feel happy a year ago. Nursery staff say that since then, they have noticed that children are more empathetic towards each other and use more caring language.
Other reported effects of the Cuddle Circles project, which is being overseen by Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Dundee, are that children share more and hug each other without being prompted.
The nursery says the project was inspired by a seminar on autism delivered by Dr Zeedyk, who demonstrated how affection can make autistic adults happier, and suggested the nursery try the same technique with the children.
Nursery staff started the twiceweekly group hug with a small number of their two- to five-year-olds. They then introduced it to the two- and three-year-olds, who they said enjoy hugging the most.
Nursery manager Paula Williamson said, 'The results have been amazing. After two to three weeks of hugging we saw a positive change in the children.
'A cuddle is such a simple thing, but can make such a difference. The project has also been beneficial to staff, who have become more aware of the emotional side of caring for the children.'
The nursery will now report its findings back to parents, whom staff hope to encourage to give their children a hug when dropping off and collecting them. Dr Zeedyk said she noticed that many parents at the setting did not give their child a hug when they asked for one.
