Research suggests that a lack of love in a child’s life can lead to the formation of negative personality traits and psychological issues. This is primarily because there is a significant void in the child’s heart, making it difficult for them to perceive and recognize the value of love.
Therefore, experts emphasize that love is a fundamental element and the foundation for a child’s holistic development, encompassing physical health, height growth, and intellectual abilities.
What creates a void in a young child’s heart?
From the moment a child is born, they rely on love and care from their parents for their development. During this critical period, if parents fail to provide sufficient love and support, the child may feel insecure and experience an emotional deficit.
When parents physically touch their children, such as holding hands or stroking their heads, the body releases oxytocin—a hormone known for enhancing social bonding. Studies indicate that oxytocin not only improves memory but also reduces stress levels, creating a sense of being loved and contributing to overall happiness.
When children feel secure and fulfilled, their brains can shift away from survival anxieties. Instead, they tend to explore the world around them and develop themselves in a more positive direction.
Moreover, skin-to-skin contact provides abundant tactile stimulation to the brain and strengthens neural connections, thus vigorously promoting neurological development.
Additionally, children’s moods will be more stable and cheerful daily due to the increased secretion of growth hormones, which facilitates rapid nutrient absorption and natural height growth.
The period from 0 to 3 years old is crucial for forming attachments and reaching peaks in brain development and height growth. Skin-to-skin contact benefits not only cognitive development but also rapid height increase, providing children with a sense of security and familiarity.
However, many parents today are still unaware of the significance of these aspects. In reality, by allocating a small portion of their daily routines, parents can effortlessly bestow upon their children a complete love and warm happiness.
4 activities to enhance bonding and promote healthier development in children
Communicate through eye contact
When parents hug their child and maintain eye contact, the production of oxytocin is stimulated within approximately 10 minutes. Dubbed the “love hormone,” oxytocin plays a pivotal role in forging a strong bond between parents and their child. This hormone not only makes the child feel secure and loved but also aids in brain development and strengthens their immune system.
During the sensitive period of attachment formation, maximize opportunities to embrace your child, especially when they are crying. These warm hugs offer genuine solace to the child, serving as a means to convey your love and concern.
When your child is crying, promptly respond by gently stroking their head or patting their back. These gestures of affection not only alleviate their discomfort but also reinforce their trust in having a safe haven in your embrace.
If feasible, mothers should allocate time throughout the day to massage their children. These gentle and tender movements enable children to perceive love while also fostering neurological and muscular development. Furthermore, this activity significantly improves blood circulation and enhances their immune system.
Play with your child
Occasionally, gentle tickles will elicit laughter from your child, alleviating tension and relaxing their body and mind while bolstering their resistance.
The laughter of children is a vibrant expression of joy, holding significant importance in their emotional development.
When children laugh, their bodies release endorphins, hormones capable of alleviating pain and inducing happiness. This not only brings immediate benefits but also contributes to long-term psychological well-being.
Upon your child’s awakening, gently scratch their tummy and neck to induce a sense of comfort. This simple act establishes an intimate and familiar atmosphere where they can tangibly experience your love.
Read comics and sing together
When reading comics or singing children’s songs to your little one, hold them in your arms or let them sit on your lap.
These moments present a wonderful opportunity to forge a profound emotional connection. As they listen to your familiar voice and feel the warmth of your body, their souls find solace.
The sound of your voice, coupled with physical proximity, creates a safe, relaxing, and affectionate environment.
Physical touch
Physical touch is an integral aspect of a child’s development. From around the age of one and a half, as children grow and become more challenging to hold, they still yearn for physical contact. They often seek to hold hands or caress adults’ heads to feel secure and connected.
When children receive warm hugs, their parasympathetic nervous system activates naturally, inducing relaxation and a sense of ease. This implies that hugs exert a positive influence, assuaging their anxiety and fostering their psychological and emotional growth.