Older children will still occasionally want to sit on your lap. When they feel ill at ease in strange circumstances, they may even want to eat sitting on your knee, particularly if strangers are present and they feel that they are being watched. Let them do so if it is convenient; you will find that just a few moments of intimacy will give a child the confidence to handle any situation.
Bedtimes are particularly important times for showing affection. In my opinion, a child should never have to go to bed without some cuddling. A hug and a kiss will provide a sense of security and the conviction that you really do care. The rule is that you should always be there with a comforting arm and a kind word when your child is hurt, worried, puzzled, or frightened. Not all children require physical reassurance, so be prepared to provide comfort in the form that your child wants.
