There is nothing quite like the love that a child feels for their parents.
And although that love never goes away, the way that it is expressed does.
As toddlers, we would jump and squeal and laugh with joy when we were with our parents.
We’d give them hugs and kisses and cuddles as often as they’d let us.
But as we grew, so did our independence.
We went from constant interaction with our parents, to small periods of distance from them, and eventually to total isolation once we were old enough to live on our own.
I know that everyone’s situation is different, but I only see my parents once or twice a year and talk on the phone with them just a couple of times a month–sometimes less.
And it’s not that I love them any less than I did when I was a child, it’s just that I don’t express it in the same way.
That’s why it is so refreshing to see young India’s excitement when her dad finally walks through the door.
She is waiting at home with her mom, telling her how much she loves her dad, as the anticipation of his arrival is building.
It is Thanksgiving and little India explains to her mom that she is thankful that her daddy is her best friend and that when he gets home she is going to “cuddle daddy.”
And when she hears the doorjamb click, her eyes light up, and she turns to look at the door.
Then it starts to open and India lets out a squeal of excitement as she shuffles as fast as her little legs will carry her towards the door.
Her dad walks in and she is so excited that she seems to forget what it was that she wants to do with herself.
She laughs and turns to her mom for some guidance.
Her mom reminds her that she wanted to give him cuddles and then little India remembers too.
She runs into his arms and is covered in a big dad hug.
Her little feet kick up and down with joy and she lets him know just how much she loves him.
When you watch this video, it makes you want to run up to your parents right now and do the same thing.
And you could if you want.
They would accept your child-like excitement with open arms–although they may a little concerned at the same time.
Because after so many years of giving them adult-like hugs, it would be weird to express your love for them in such an unfiltered and childish way.
But that’s ok.
Because the point isn’t that you need to show them your love as a child would, you just need to express how much you love them in any way that feels right.
And the best way that I’ve found is with a simple hug and an “I love you.”
Not only is this great for your relationship with your parents, but it is also beneficial for both of you on a physiological level as well.
One study found that hugs can improve your heart health by lowering your blood pressure, while another study found that hugs can help you fight off illnesses.
So take a tip from cute little India and let your parents–and any other loved-ones you may have–know just how special they are to you.
The cuddles are optional.
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