I read a book a long time ago and wish I could remember the name. It talked about how parents stop showing affection and effectively dealing with the emotional needs of boys around age 9.

I agree with Trippin's post and also with Anna's. The childhood development classes I took in college as well as my experience raising 2 boys confirms my belief system.

Unless something strange is happening, there is nothing wrong with it. Society often turns innocent needs into something weird and seedy.