A Young Child’s Need for Touch Chris found out the power of this particular love language. In recent years, many research studies have come to the same conclusion: Babies who are held, caressed, and kissed develop a healthier emotional life than those who are left for long periods of time without physical contact.
Physical touch is one of love’s strongest voices. It shouts, “I love you!” The importance of touching children is not a modern notion. In the first century AD, the Hebrews livingPalestine brought their children to Jesus “to have Him touch them.” The writer Mark reported that the disciples of Jesus rebuked the parents, thinking their teacher was too busy with “important” matters to spend time on children. But Jesus was indignant with His disciples. “‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”1 You will learn to spot your child’s primary language in chapter 7. It may not be physical touch—but that does not matter. All children need to be touched, and wise parents in many cultures recognize the importance of touching their children. They also recognize the need to have their children receive the tender touch of other significant adults, such as grandparents.As a baby grows and becomes more active, the need for touch does not lessen. Hugs and kisses, wrestling on the floor,
riding piggyback, and other playful loving touches are vital to the child’s emotional development. Children need many meaningful touches every day, and parents should make every effort to provide these expressions of love. If you are not naturally a “hugger,” you may feel that you’re consciously going against your natural tendency. But you can learn. When we come to understand the importance of lovingly touching our children, we are motivated to change.
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