Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old

The prompt

“Who in our family gives the best hugs, and what makes their hugs so good?”

What to listen for

A specific, physical description ("squeezy," "long," "she pats my back") tells you exactly what kind of touch and closeness makes your child feel most secure, useful information for comforting them later.

If they pick someone who isn't always around, or someone from a different household, it might be a gentle signal they're missing that person and could use more contact, even just a call.

If they say "I don't really like hugs," that's important and valid too, some kids feel loved through words or shared activities more than touch, and that's worth respecting, not correcting.

What this tells you

This shows you exactly what kind of closeness makes your child feel most loved and safe in their body.