Studies by psychologist reveal that in most families, the frequency of soft, warm physical contact between parent and baby diminshes after the first year. Toddlers are then able to stand on their own two feet and therefore are not so reliant on you to be carried everywhere or to be held during feeding. As a result opportunities for living, physical contact are significantly reduced. However, incidents of gentle touch between you and your toddler have greater emotional significance because they do not occure as often. That is why an unexpected hug, a surprising pat on the head, or an unpredictable arm around the shoulder will bring a warm smile to his face.