What on Earth is an Upside-down Hug?

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neil

What on Earth is an Upside-down Hug?

It is an enduring connection. It is silly for sure but profound beyond measure. Most Caring Grandparents have a form of this gesture that implants an existential connection between their Grandkids and them. Is this hyperbole? Let me tell this story and you judge for yourself.

It would be fair for you to ask if this is effective and meaningful. Below you will see a picture of my first born Grandson at age 37 who asks (tongue in cheek) each time I see him if I could give him an upside down hug. A couple of weeks ago I had lunch with my Granddaughter. She is the one hanging upside down with her long hair dangling. She was sharing with her now husband and mother-in-law how this was a ritual as she was growing up. I would say good memories that have meaning that last decades are significant.

When my Grandkids were small I was looking for a way to incorporate fun into meaningful connection with each one of them. I realized that kids are so different yet so much the same when it came to wanting to be special and matter to their Grandpa. I have friends who have various handshakes, special hugs, and games that are special to their Grandkids. My way of universal connection worked so well for me that I got carried away and it extended to my church community and even to my work at a gymnastic company where I worked for many years. The mechanics are unique so the kids remember them for years to come. The ability to insert a message that sticks with them long after the event is the reason it is extraordinary.

It goes like this; around the age of two-three I usually begin by looking them in the eye and asking softly if they would like a special kind of hug. Only about 99.9% say yes. I gently take their arm and pull them in, I turn them around and slowly reach around and take them about waist high and begin, slowly to turn them upside down. The giggles begin. I then ask them if they know what Grandpa Neil Loves about them. I wait for them to ask what. At this point I try to shake their lunch out of them and say in a loud voice “EVERYTHING”! Message delivered and received.

I invite each one reading this article to create your own connections. The payoff is enormous for all.

Thanks for being a Caring Grandparent.

What begins as a playful moment can become a lifelong connection. My Upside-Down Hug started when my grandkids were toddlers — and they still talk about it today. Create your own ritual. The impact lasts forever. 🌿✨

neil