It's already proven, there is really no debate....affection is crucial for a child's well being. The truth is we all want love and affection. Dads often have a harder time providing affection than moms do. Whether it was the fact that their dad was not affectionate, it feels awkward, or you just don't know.  In episode 141 we discuss affection and it's importance for both you and your child. Psychologist Dr. Daniel Singley told us in our interview with him that touch literally changes the neural pathways in the brain. There is a research firm called Child Trends and they provided some insight on warmth and affection expressed by parents to their children: Overall it results in life-long positive outcomes for those children. Here are a couple of things they say it improves: Higher self-esteem Improved academic performance Better parent-child communication Fewer psychological and behavior problems On the other hand, children who do not have affectionate parents tend to have: Lower self-esteem Feel more alienated Are more hostile and aggressive And are more anti-social Seems like a pretty good argument for providing your child affection. So what can dads do to be more affectionate: Babies Give them a massage Hold them more Use a baby holder or harness on your body Tickling Simple kisses and hugs As they get older: Hold hands - Toddlers will allow it but as they get older they may not want to Sit on the couch watching TV with your arm around them Hugs and kisses Sit on lap Lie in bed reading Older Kids Hugs Kisses if they will still let you Hand on their shoulder Sit on lap Lie in bed I notice times when I will consciously make more effort to be affectionate, my kids are in turn more affectionate. I think that happens with the wife too. Here is also a couple of tips: Go slow - you may overwhelm them if they are not used to too much affection. Model the behavior - you should also be affectionate with your wife.