Happiness. What is happiness? What does happiness mean to a child? Each child has their own opinion of joy, or should we say, each and every individual in this world.
What is more important than giving your child a big loving hug. Yes, all of us live a busy and stressful life, and as parents, we all have endless worries and concerns, but your child’s happiness comes first.
According to Child Trends, a leading nonprofit research organisation in the United States which focuses on improving lives and prospects of children, youth and families stated that an idea was supported by science where warmth and affection expressed by parents to their children will result to a life-long positive outcome for their children.
Affection
Affection by parents will link to higher self-esteem, better parent-child communication and relationship, improved and better academic performance and also lesser psychological and behavioural problems compared to children who do not get affection from their parents.
The relationship between parental affection and children’s happiness and success
In the year 2010, researchers at Duke University Medical School found out and stated that babies who grow up with affectionate and attentive mothers grow up to be happier, resilient and less anxious. These researches carried out a test which involves approximately 500 people from when they were infants all the way up till they’re in their 30s.
Psychologists observed the interaction between mothers and their child. It is shown that approximately 10% of mothers showed low levels of affection for their child and 85% of mothers showed normal levels of affection and the other 6% showed high levels of affections.
30 years later, they were brought back to be interviewed about their emotional health, and it has shown that those with normal and high levels of affection are most less likely to feel anxious or stressed out.
Oxytocin
The researchers also concluded that there is a type of hormone called oxytocin, which may be responsible for this effect.
What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is a chemical released in the brain when a person feels love and connection. This chemical is shown to help improve bonds between parents and their children by adding trust and support between them, and it will also cause a child to feel more positive vibes.
On the other hand, lack of affection will impact children both mentally and physically. It will also lead to all kinds of health and emotional problems. But, there’s something that really fascinates us. It is that scientists think that parental affection can actually protect individuals from harmful effects of childhood stress.
Skin to skin contact with infants
Researchers have also found out benefits of skin to skin contact with infants. Skin to skin contact is a unique interaction between parents and their child. This is because it helps calm babies down and they will cry less and sleep more. Fascinating isn’t it? Scientists also believe that orphans are more likely to be more stressed out because of the lack of physical contact.
We all know that every positive step we take with our child will be fruitful for their future. Every parent wants happiness for their children. They guide them with love, time and effort until they achieve success.
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