April 11-13, 2008

The Emotional Power of Physical Touch

Physical touch is one of the fundamental languages of love. If it happens to be the primary love language of your child or your spouse, it is exceedingly important that you speak it regularly. Much of the misbehavior on the part of children grows out of an empty love tank. The same is true of adults.

Perhaps you are not a toucher. You did not grow up in a touchy-feely family. The good news is that you can learn to speak this love language. Begin by patting yourself on the back. Then do the same to your spouse or child. Put one hand on top of the other hand. Then put your hand on top of your child’s hand. Touches lead to hugs and hugs lead to kisses. Soon you will be proficient in speaking the love language of physical 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.