Many kids of immigrant families are taught that love means sacrifice or performance.

Physical affection teaches kids that love doesn't depend on achievement.

Acts like snuggling can interrupt shame and build a sense of security.

My 10-year-old son asked if he could snuggle with me the other morning. I instinctively said yes, since these opportunities may not come up too much more as he gets older.

I consider his request a validation that we, as parents, are doing a good job. I half-jokingly told my wife, “Snuggling is the antidote to Asian shame." So why is that?

Well, as a child of Chinese immigrants, I grew up in a home where the love language was doing and not........

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