Bonding

Bonding is an emotional and physical connection between parents and offspring. A child’s bonding usually begins at birth and serves as the basis for development. A child’s brain development is shaped by the “atmosphere of relationships.” This atmosphere is critical for outcomes like academic performance, mental health, and interpersonal communication skills, all of which depend on the architecture of the brain.

A child’s continuum of growth-promoting relationships involves “serve and return” interactions (one-to-one communication and feedback). Early relationships are the most important factor in building brain architecture. Think of it like building a house: first, a solid foundation is laid, and everything else is built on top. Brain development follows a similar process, with neurons in different areas of the brain forming billions of connections to create this architecture. These connections enable fast communication between neurons, specific to different actions.

Children play an active role in this developmental process by interacting with their parents, family, and community. When a child gestures, cries, makes eye contact, uses words, or offers hugs, and when adults respond, the neural connections in the child’s brain are built and strengthened. Given the extreme importance of the first few years of life, the need for nurturing relationships, beginning in infancy, cannot be forgotten.

Bonding Activities