It’s apparent, then, how important it is for a boy to receive just as much or more affection as a girl during the early years. As a boy grows and becomes older, his need for physical affection such as hugging and kissing lessens, but his need for physical contact does not. Instead of primarily “ooey-gooey love stuff,” he now wants “boy-style” physical contact such as playful wrestling, jostling, backslapping, playful hitting or boxing, bear hugs, and high fives. These ways of making physical contact with a boy are just as genuine a means of giving attention as hugging and kissing. Don’t forget that a child never outgrows the need for both types.