April 8, 2008

The Emotional Power of Physical Touch

In recent years, many research studies have come to the same conclusion: Babies who are held, hugged, 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.

The importance of touching children is not a modern idea. Remember in Mark chapter 10 when the parents brought their children to Jesus and the disciples objected? The scripture says that Jesus “took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Why should we do less? I know that there are sexual predators who touch children wrongfully, but we should not allow their distortion to keep us from touching children in a loving and healthy way. All children need affirming touch.

Today's A Growing Marriage Daily content has been written by Dr. Gary Chapman and is based on the book The Five Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. Published by Northfield Publishing, copyright 1997. Used by permission.