A lot of times in this generation of ours, when parents especially the father comes back from work, they just want to relax, watch TV and not have any emotional discussions with their children or any sort of physical interaction with the kids. It is even seen as demeaning for a father to have conversations or to hug his children, especially the daughter. This is contrary to how the Prophet (PBUH) was with his children and the children of the Muslims.

Just reflect on the following hadith of ‘A’ishah (RA)
“Aisha reports: I have never encountered anyone that resembled the Messenger of Allah more than Fatima in manner, likeness and speech. When she came to visit him, he (PBUH) stood up (to welcome her), took her by the hand, kissed her and made her sit in his place. And when he used to visit her, she would stand up, take him by the hand, kiss him, and make him sit where she was sitting” (Sunan Abi Dawood, no. 5175)
Look at the perfect morals of the Prophet (PBUH) and the respect and compassion in His relationship with his daughter. We have many narrations of how He (SAW) used to actively spend time with his family and fulfill their emotional needs.
Is it the same with us? Do we compliment them? “O’ Fatima, you look lovely in that dress!”, “O Zayd, your recitation is beautiful!”, “O’ Amal, I really appreciate your kindness! May Allah bless you!”

If parents are not giving their children emotional fulfilment, telling them how beautiful they are and treating them with kindness, then children will be pushed to look for this emotional gratification elsewhere. If the parents are able to fulfill the emotional needs of the children, and show them how to communicate love and affection, then once their children marry, they will also be able to show compassion and love to their spouses and children, thus making the overall society more merciful and compassionate.
May Allah allow us to fulfill the emotional needs of our children.