Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
It is possible that by "the Bedouin" is meant Akra‘ bin Habis radi Allahu anhu, because he too was somewhat stern by nature.

(2)
The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam described showing love and affection to children as an act of mercy, because he said to the Bedouin:
“If Allah has removed mercy from your heart, then I am not able to instill the feeling of mercy in your heart.”
Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah writes that a similar incident occurred with Qays bin ‘Asim al-Tamimi radi Allahu anhu and Hisn bin Hudhayfah al-Fazari radi Allahu anhu as well.
From these ahadith it is understood that kissing a child, whether a mahram or a non-mahram, is due to compassion and affection; there is no suspicion of pleasure or desire in it, therefore there is no doubt about its permissibility. Similarly, hugging children and smelling them is also permissible.
(Fath al-Bari: 10/528)
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: From this hadith, it is understood that kissing and embracing one's young children is a result of natural and innate affection and love, and not showing love and affection to them is an indication of hardness and wretchedness of the heart.

Benefits and Issues:

➊ Loving one’s children is a sign of compassion and affection.

➋ Hearts are in the grasp of Allah. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to admonish and give advice, and would clarify the truth explicitly. Granting guidance is the work of Allah.