The Importance Of Parent-Child Bonding
The parent-child bonding process is the genesis of the child’s psychological development. Therefore, the absence of the bonding process could, in fact, produce stress and trauma in a child’s life. In addition, experiences such as neglect, abandonment, and lack of communication could be subtle ways the child may experience trauma.
The Bonding Process
When there is an active bonding process, both parent and child produce an essential hormone and chemical called Oxytocin, a vital chemical needed for bonding. So in addition, are necessary chemicals called Dopamine, Serotonin, and Endorphins which all play a pivotal role in the child’s brain development.
These chemicals help in the development of the child’s brain and help them function successfully in society. They are able to have positive social behaviors, regulate emotional responses, build trust, build empathy, and influence positive communication. We can see how vital these chemicals are to the mental and emotional development of the child.
The hormone Oxytocin is primarily produced through affection. For example, hugging, kissing, sensory activities, and laughing.
The Absence Of The Bonding Process
On the contrary, the absence of the bonding process likely may indicate traumatic experiences, which release Adrenaline and Cortisol (the fight and flight response), an essential protective hormone.
Still, the constant release of these hormones in a child may mean the child may be living in a state of fear and stress, and living in this continuous state may begin to have adverse effects on the child’s developing brain.
Examples Of Traumatic Symptoms
Living in a constant state of fear and stress, in time, when the child is older, may produce traumatic symptoms such as unhealthy fear, anxiety, depression, insecurity, and stress. In addition, the child who may have lived a stressful life may become an adult and may experience addictions, social anxiety, co-dependency, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and a lack of proper communication.
Also, the child may develop future physical ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
In conclusion, parents need to know how their child’s upbringing may eventually affect their psychological development and overall outlook on life. In addition, parents need to know the effects of positive bonding vs. the lack of bonding and what that does to a child’s developing brain.
