My oldest daughter was not a cuddly child in her first four years of life. She wanted her space, and we learned to give it to her. At some point, however, she's changed her mind on all things physical touch. These days, she cannot get close enough to me, her dad, or her sister. She leeches on to us any moment she can and holds on tight. Her younger sister has (mostly) learned how to more politely ask for space—"I don't want to be touched right now"—to which Evelyn takes great offense.
Some days, I very much relate to Evie's little sister. I get tired and overstimulated, and I just don't want to be touched right now! But here's my five-year-old scooting in as close to me as possible, her fingers with the chipped purple nail polish gripping me tight. I put my arm around her and adjust to let her leech on in a way that's most comfortable for us both. I embrace her tightly because here she is, already embracing me.
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