I think it's a pretty natural need that comes from a place of great vulnerability, outside of cognitive pathways. I think even as adults we sometimes can feel a need for reassurance and comfort; but when the emotion is so strong and comes from a child's sense of vulnerability, it is visceral and direct and outside of cognition. Maybe the expression of a wish for a caretaker to "make it all better" by providing a safe moment of respite and protection from the disturbing emotion. I think some Ts are better than others at perceiving such moments and being attuned to them, balancing their response accordingly. I had such moments, and usually my T was attuned enough to meet the need--temporarily carry the emotion for me--but occasionally missed it, leaving me feeling unseen.