My children (ages 3 & 8) are extremely affectionate they will sit on the couch and cuddle and watch TV, they will comfort each other when they hurt each other and they don't fight very often. They are perfectly fine.

I have to say I agree with Oorki, unless it's a problem for them or for their parents I don't think you need to intervene. If they are happy and healthy it's fine. Not every child does the same things as other children. As for letting them out... I won't be letting my kids catch the bus on their own at that age if they don't need to. And I know heaps of people (now adults) who's parents preferred to drive them and they are perfectly fine.