Dr. Cherilyn Davis (Parent-Child Bond)
Dr. Cherilyn Davis, a paediatrician, explores how parent-child relationships profoundly influence development from infancy through adolescence. She explains how responsiveness, clo...
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How can a deep relationship be built with children and teenagers and why is it important?
You can build a deep relationship with your child and even teenager through consistent, loving interactions. Connecting with a teen becomes more challenging since they're at an age where they're establishing more autonomy and independence. Being present and providing guidance is very much valuable at this age, even if it seems like they aren't taking you seriously, I can guarantee they're most likely listening intently. So remember that the bond you share with your child will be the guiding light as they grow, and the lessons you teach them about love, empathy, and self-respect will shape the person they become.
How does the relationship deepen as toddlers grow?
As toddlers grow, the relationship deepens. Your child begins to explore the world with more independence, but they still rely on your guidance and emotional support. How you interact with your child during this time, whether you're offering praise, discipline, or emotional validation, helps shape their sense of self-worth, autonomy, and emotional regulation. And it's been shown that toddlers respond well to rules and boundaries, even though that seems counterintuitive. Since they're often testing limits, they actually thrive from understanding where the line stands when it comes to their behaviours and what's considered acceptable or safe.
How is the parent-child bond built in infancy?
In infancy, the parent child bond is built through physical closeness and responsiveness. The way you respond to your baby's cries, smile or needs, builds a sense of security and trust. This is the first form of attachment and it's essential for your child's emotional and psychological development.