Affection

Observable behaviors that result when individuals act on their feelings of warmth or love. Affection can be shown either physically (hugging, kissing, caressing, comforting, and the like), verbally (praising, complimenting, saying nice things to or about the child or others, and so forth), or in other symbolic forms. These and many other caring, nurturing, supportive, and loving behaviors help define the behavioral expressions of acceptance.