Are Hug Barrels Healthy for Children's Emotional Development?
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to a 2015 study, caregiver responses that support children's interests and emotional needs have a more powerful influence on child development than therapist interactions alone. The use of 'hug barrels' in some classrooms has sparked a debate about their effectiveness and potential drawbacks as a tool for emotional regulation.