Whether it’s a big ‘ole bear hug before school, a gentle tuck-in squeeze at bedtime, or an embrace paired with a carry to help calm upset, the hug is a powerful tool in the parenting arsenal. A good hug offers safety and warmth. It is comforting and calming. And there are some incredible benefits baked into one. In order to gain all those benefits, however, consider extending your embraces to at least 20 seconds. While the duration may feel a bit lengthy, it’s generally accepted as the threshold for releasing feel-good bonding chemicals like oxytocin. These stretched out squeezes also help relieve stress and decrease heart rate. So, the next time you go in for a hug, give it a try.