April 10, 2008

The Emotional Power of Physical Touch

A few years ago, I teamed up with Dr. Ross Campbell, a psychiatrist whom I greatly admire, and wrote a book called The Five Love Languages of Children. In that book, Dr. Campbell made the point that “during the preadolescent stage, girls have a particular need for expressions of love from their fathers. At the same time, fathers often withdraw from hugging and kissing their daughters, feeling it is inappropriate that this stage.”

In reality, the daughter needs the hugs and kisses of her father; and if he withdraws, she will likely seek physical touch from another male, and often in an unwholesome manner. Certainly there is no place for sexual exploitation, but your daughter deeply needs you loving and affirming touches.

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.