By the age of three or four years your child will be much more independent, and you may assume that she needs fewer overt displays of affection. While this may be true, it would be a mistake, to think that she wants to go without any physical affection at all. You should pay special attention to boys, who are often expected to give up hugs and kisses at a very young age because it is not considered to be proper “masculine” behavior.
It is all too easy to lose the habit of showing affection, so make a resolution to hold and touch your child as often as you can every day, whether it’s letting her sit on your knee or putting an arm around her when you look at the paper, or giving her a kiss when you put her to bed. I always made it a rule to tell my children every day that I love them.
Older children can be self-conscious about being kissed or hugged in public, so be sensitive to this. Choose private moments when they can enjoy your care, attention, and love.
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